Vadhawan Port in Palghar will impact 20,809 fisherfolk
According to a previously undisclosed survey by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the proposed Vadhawan Port in Palghar district’s eco-sensitive Dahanu taluka, adjacent to Mumbai will impact the livelihoods of at least 20,809 fisherfolk living in 16 fishing villages within the 10 km radius of the port.
The port will render approximately 72 sq kms of current fishing area inaccessible to fisherfolk during the construction phase and once the operations are underway, states the CMFRI report. The report also points out that only the area outside the harbour of the port (58 sq. km. approx.) will be available for fishing subject to regulation by the port authority and security.
Source: Hindustan Times
BMC pulls up Lalbaugcha Raja for 183 potholes, fines Rs 3.66 lakh
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) pulled up Lalbaughcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav committee for creating 183 potholes in Mumbai during the Ganesh festivities this year. The committee will now have to pay a fine of Rs 3.66 lakh.
Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most popular Ganesh mandals in the city. Devotees from across the country during pay their visits during the 10-day long annual festival. Every year, BMC inspects the city roads to check the extent of damages mandals have caused. Damages occur when they affix bamboo sticks and set up barricades. The civic body accordingly imposes a fine of Rs 2,000 for every pothole found.
Source: The Indian Express
Read more: Umpteen poll promises later, problem of potholes in Mumbai remains unsolved
266 minibuses off Mumbai’s roads as drivers deprived of wage
The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) has called 266 out of the total 280 wet-leased minibuses off the road. The workers have decided to strike as close to 500 drivers haven’t received their salaries for two-and-a-half months. The drivers have also moved Labour Court demanding compensation or resumption of operations at the earliest.
Under wet-lease, the capital costs for purchasing the buses, daily maintenance, driver salaries and other overhead expenses are borne by a contractor. Raju Sule, a senior driver, said the pending dues amount Rs 2 crore and additional Rs 2 crore is locked as provident fund. The contractor hasn’t communicated anything about when our salaries will arrive or when the bus services would be resumed, Sule said.
BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra said they have issued a showcause notice to the leaseholder. They have demanded that services should resume by month-end or face termination.
Source: The Times of India
Taxi, autorickshaw unions call for strike from September 26th
Drivers of Mumbai’s Kaalipeeli (black and yellow) taxis may go on a strike from September 26th. Their demand for fare hike remains unmet. Earlier this month, various taxi and autorickshaw unions had given a call for a strike. They took a step back after Maharashtra’s Industry Minister Uday Samant assured them of a fare hike within 10-days.
A statement released by the Mumbai Taximen’s Union said, “The Mumbai Taximen’s Union, Mumbai Taxi Association and autorickshaw unions have decided to go on indefinite strike from September 26th in protest against failure to the commitment made by Uday Samant, Hon’ble Industrial Minister, Maharashtra State to revise the taxi and autorickshaw fare.”
Source: Mid-Day
Read more: High CNG prices: Mumbai taxi drivers, auto drivers demand fare hike to survive
Digital push in BMC hospitals for better diagnosis
The BMC as part of its digital initiative, will give Mumbai’s civic hospitals bluetooth-enabled stethoscopes, robotic prosthetic hands and quick screening tools to identify pre-diabetic patients.
Director of civic hospitals Dr Neelam Andrade said this is a first-of-its-kind initiative taken by the civic body. She also said it is imperative that new technologies are included in the healthcare system for early diagnosis.
Pilot projects were launched at BYL Nair hospital and Sion hospital, officials said. The Society for Mumbai Incubation Lab to Entrepreneurship Council (SMILE) — the CivicTech incubation centre of the BMC is steering the pilot project.
Source: The Indian Express
[Compiled by Eshan Kalyanikar]