Green row erupts as CM okwith SGNP tunnel night work
Mumbai: In a controversial move, work on the 11.8 km underground twin tunnels between Borivli and Thane is likely to be allowed at night. At a review meeting on the progress of the construction work on Thursday at Vidhan Bhavan, CM
Devendra Fadnavis
, saying that all infrastructure projects in the state must be completed within three years, directed that permission be taken from the forest dept to carry out work at night on the underground tunnels.
Sources said a decision on allowing work at night in the national park will be taken by the chief wildlife warden within a fortnight. Additional land has also been sought on the Borivli end of the tunnel, said sources.
Sumaira Abdulali, founder of NGO Awaaz Foundation, said that while noise pollution has become a problem in the city, so far the forest has been inviolate. "The CM calling for work to be allowed at night in the forest compounds the issue as it lays open the door to do such things in other national parks and sanctuaries.
The underground is connected to the overground. The underground metro caused a lot of damage overground.
The earthworm, which is found underground, is invaluable to the forest. My father-in-law, Humayun Abdulali, demarcated the boundaries of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and taking away bits of the park nullifies these efforts. It is disrespectful to the legacy of the people who worked to preserve the forest, which gives so much benefit to the city.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025!
Sea of Conquest
Phát ngay
Undo
These are among the few things left in the city, and this is totally unacceptable," she said.
You Can Also Check:
Mumbai AQI
|
Weather in Mumbai
|
Bank Holidays in Mumbai
|
Public Holidays in Mumbai
Environmentalist Debi Goenka said, "It is unfortunate that our CM, who also chairs the state wildlife board, is determined to destroy SGNP rather than protect it. Whilst there seems to be no funds to subsidise BEST or green the coastal road, this govt has no shortage of funds to subsidise affluent car owners. There is no need at all for these tunnels through SGNP, let alone allow construction activities at night when entry into the national park is prohibited by law.
"
Fadnavis also instructed that additional land be made available from SGNP to maintain proper air circulation within the tunnel. Already, 88.75 acres have been diverted from the park for the tunnel, said sources.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
10 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Chappal chor': Kolhapuri craftsmen meet CM protesting Prada rip-off
MUMBAI: Italian luxury fashion house Prada's showcase of the Kolhapuri chappal-inspired footwear – T-strapped, flat and intricately braided – at the Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection in Milan earlier this week, has drawn censure from artisans of Kolhapur, where the humble footwear originated in the 12th century. It was awarded a GI (Geographical Indication) tag by the Government of India in 2019. Crossover or cultural theft? The iconic Kolhapuri chappals, handcrafted by generations of artisans in Kolhapur, struts onto the global stage after Prada introduced the footwear during the Milan Fashion Week priced for over ₹ 1 Lakh. (Hindustan Times) The footwear, which defines casual chic in India, in its luxe avatar is priced at ₹ 1.2 lakh. In India a pair of Kolhapuri chappal is sold between ₹ 1000 and ₹ 4000. Objecting to the European brand's cultural appropriation while keeping their craftsmanship in the shadows, a delegation of Kolhapuri chappal manufacturers met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday requesting him to scale up the case of the brand creating a replica of their craft with the central government. The delegation was led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, who also requested the chief minister to intervene. A leader who was present in the meeting, but did not wish to be named, told HT that Fadnavis has assured them that he will bring it to the central government's notice. Mahadik is also planning to file a public interest litigation (PIL) against Prada at the Bombay high court (HC). 'We will soon move court with a litigation against Prada,' Mahadik told HT. Speaking on behalf of the craftsmen, Mahadik said, 'We have no objection to an overseas brand using our design; we only want them to be sold in the name of 'Kolhapuri chappals'. That is our only demand.' He added, since the footwear originated from Kolhapur, the artisans 'should get royalty because Prada is selling each pair above ₹ 1 lakh'. The letter, of which HT has a copy, submitted to the chief minister on behalf of the delegation termed the Italian fashion house's move a 'serious infringement on Maharashtra's cultural identity and artisan rights'. It also stated that 'on June 23, 2025, Italian fashion brand Prada presented its Men's Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Milan, prominently featuring sandals that strongly resemble Kolhapuri chappals, a product awarded a GI tag by the Government of India in 2019'. 'It is reported that these sandals are being sold by Prada at a price of approximately ₹ 1.1- ₹ 1.2 lakh per pair (around €1,200). There is no acknowledgement of the source community, nor is there any revenue or credit flowing to the actual artisans of Kolhapur and nearby districts, who are the true keepers of this craft,' the letter stated. It added, that this 'kind of commercial appropriation not only violates GI regulations, but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of the thousands of families involved in this traditional trade; the state must act swiftly and firmly'. Reacting to the controversy, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar called it a cultural theft. 'Prada's new sandal, priced approximately at ₹ 1 lakh, mimics Maharashtra's GI-tagged #KolhapuriChappal without crediting Kolhapur's artisans. This isn't just copying – it's cultural theft! If Prada won't respect our heritage by branding it right, the Maharashtra government must act against such #ChappalChor.'
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shiv Sena MP's driver gets Rs 150 crore land as 'gift' from Salar Jung kin
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: A mysterious gift deed transferring ownership of a three-acre parcel of land in Maharashtra, valued at around Rs 150 crore, from descendants of Hyderabad's famous Salar Jung family to Shiv Sena MP Sandipanrao Bhumre's driver has triggered more than just incredulous surprise at his sudden turn of fortune. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Police is investigating how Jawed Rasul Shaikh, who has been driving around the MP and his MLA son Vilas Bhumre for 13 years, is linked to the estate of the erstwhile Diwan of Hyderabad, Salar Jung. Jawed told TOI that he was cooperating with the inquiry and had already submitted the details investigators had asked for. "I share good relations with the descendants of the Salar Jung family, so they gifted the land to me," he said. Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said Thursday that Jawed was summoned based on a complaint by a lawyer from Parbhani, flagging the "hibanama" (gift deed) in his name for what is regarded as "prime land" at Dawoodpura along Jalna Road in Sambhajinagar. "We will scan Jawed's income tax returns and details of any other source of income. He needs to explain why anyone from the Salar Jung family would make a gift deed in his name, giving away three acres in a prime location," inspector Sambhaji Pawar, part of the EOW team probing the land transfer, told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Members of the Salar Jung family who signed the deed - Mir Mazhar Ali Khan and six of his relatives - are still to respond to EOW's notice to have their statements recorded, the officer said. Vilas, who represents Paithan constituency, protested against police allegedly dragging him and his father into the controversy over a land transfer deed in Jawed's name. "EOW officials questioned me, too. Although Jawed is our driver, we don't have control over everything he does. In any case, hibanama is a legally valid process of gifting assets," he said. Several members of the Salar Jung family served as prime ministers to the erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad. The gift deed executed by Mazhar Ali and six others states that they received their share of three out of 12 acres belonging to the clan at Bagsherganj in Dawoodpura after a prolonged litigation lasting till Jan 30, 2023. Police have found out that the gift deed in favour of Jawed was executed around the same time. Lawyer Mujahid Khan, whose complaint led EOW to initiate the probe, said his curiosity was piqued by the fact that Jawed wasn't even remotely related to the Salar Jung clan. "Why would the descendants of Salar Jung from Hyderabad give a gift deed to a person working as a driver in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and that too after winning a legal battle for the same property. Also, a hibanama is legally valid only between blood relatives. The Salar Jung descendants and the driver are not only unrelated, they belong to two different sects of Islam." Repeated calls to numbers belonging to members of the Salar Jung family went unanswered.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
India-US trade deal: Energy, agriculture and tariffs; what will be in the 'very big' pact
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Image) NEW DELHI: Trade talks between India and the US appear to be back on track, as President Donald Trump hinted that a "very big" agreement with India will be forthcoming soon. In a presser at the White House, Trump said, "Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it. Remember a few months ago, the press was saying, 'You really have anybody of any interest? Well, we just signed with China yesterday. We are having some great deals. We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one. Where we're going to open up India, in the China deal, we are starting to open up China." "We're not going to make deals with everybody. Some we are just going to send them a letter, say thank you very much. You are to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent. That's the easy way to do it, and my people don't want to do it that way. They want to do some of it, but they want to make more deals than I would do," he added. What impact will be on agriculture, tariff and energy in India? The trade relationship between India and the United States is expected to transform significantly, might lower tariffs, making US products more competitive in India, particularly in energy, agriculture, defence and aviation sectors. Given India's higher average tariffs compared to the US, the BTA could advantage American exporters, according to the Finance Ministry's Monthly Economic Review. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rensa dina ådror och lev längre! Beauty Ideas Läs mer Undo The US implemented a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian products in April 2025 but suspended it for 90 days from April 10, maintaining a 10% basic duty. Bilateral discussions have accelerated, showing substantial progress in digital trade, market access, customs procedures, and technical standards. A provisional agreement might be reached before July 9, as India seeks complete exemption from retaliatory tariffs. India-US trade reached $131.84 billion in FY25, establishing India as the US's primary trading partner. CRISIL suggests that while US imports to India might increase under the BTA, Indian exports may see limited benefits, as numerous key exports already enjoy duty-free access to the US market. India's growing energy requirements, especially for LNG, could create beneficial partnerships with US suppliers. CRISIL highlights LNG's advantages in price stability and long-term contract suitability over crude oil. Agricultural imports from the US might increase, including walnuts, pistachios and cranberries, although broader access remains disputed. The defence sector presents significant growth opportunities. Despite India's focus on domestic defence production, it remains a major arms importer. The US, as the world's leading arms exporter, has strengthened defence collaboration with India, including the INDUS-X programme initiated in 2023. Although India's trade surplus might face pressure, CRISIL identifies growth potential in labour-intensive industries like textiles, gems and jewellery, alongside high-value sectors such as smartphones and pharmaceuticals. The BTA negotiations encompass multiple sectors, with both nations considering it a crucial step towards enhanced economic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump reached an agreement in February to finalise the initial phase of a bilateral trade deal by autumn 2025, with plans to increase trade to $500 billion by 2030, up from approximately £191 billion in 2024. India continues to progress in its negotiations with the European Union for a free trade agreement later this year, and has recently completed discussions for a FTA with the United Kingdom. These initiatives aim to diversify trade partnerships in anticipation of possible US policy changes under Trump. "The ball is now in the US court. India is not for any win-lose trade partnership," stated Ram Singh, who leads the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a government-supported research organisation. Data shows India's exports to the US increased to $17.25 billion during April-May, compared to $14.17 billion in the previous year, indicating that the US tariff increases averaging 10% in early April had minimal effect. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
