Latest news with #European-style
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ruling Shiv Sena, BJP divided over ‘aspirational toilets' project in Mumbai
Mumbai: The ruling Shiv Sena and BJP seem to be divided over 'aspirational toilets'. After the state govt ordered a stay on BMC's Rs 12 crore aspirational toilets construction contract and sought a report in 30 days, BMC officials said that the contract for aspirational toilets was granted in 2023 and it was funded by the Mumbai City District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) fund. In 2023, the project was sanctioned by then Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar of the Shiv Sena, and the present set of officials had nothing to do with it. Interestingly, the project that was pushed by then Sena Minister Kesarkar was exposed by BJP MLA Ameet Satam through a calling attention motion. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar also slammed the project and asked how the BMC was spending over Rs 1.5 crore per toilet. BJP Minister Ashish Shelar too criticised the project, questioning if approval for the toilets was obtained from the heritage committee, as the sites include Unesco-recognised heritage sites and precincts. Shelar, who is the culture minister, said there are strict regulations governing construction in such areas and emphasised that the aesthetic integrity of Mumbai must be preserved, and pedestrian rights should not be compromised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Many of these toilets are in the heritage precincts of Colaba and Fort areas. The aspirational toilets incorporate smart features like automatic flushing, sensor-based lighting and ventilation, and even voice assistance. These toilets have a European-style design and these toilets are part of a broader initiative to improve public amenities, maintain cleanliness, and provide better sanitation for residents and visitors. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai They are equipped with amenities such as hand sanitizers, toilet paper dispensers, and adequate lighting, promoting hygiene and user comfort. Officials pointed out that the project was planned and approved during the Mahayuti govt when Eknath Shinde was CM and Kesarkar the guardian minister for Mumbai City, indicating that there was friction between the ruling Sena and BJP over the project. Shinde is now the guardian minister of Mumbai City. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, who is also from the BJP, ruled that the state govt must direct Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to conduct a probe against Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi, who is pushing the aspirational toilet project, and take action against her if any irregularities are found in the probe. BMC has claimed that three tenders were floated for 13 toilets worth around Rs 21 crore. Each toilet costs around Rs 1.65 crore. However, three aspirational toilets were proposed on open spaces, so they were dropped. One toilet was in Dharavi, which was dropped since the area is now part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. For the toilet near Sion Fort, BMC couldn't get permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it was dropped. The toilet at VB Worlikar Marg in Worli was cancelled after orders from the municipal commissioner. At the moment, work is going on only for seven toilets that cost around Rs 12 crore. Just last week, Makarand Narwekar, former BJP corporator from Colaba, wrote to municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani demanding a vigilance probe into the aspirational toilets scam, but didn't get any response from BMC.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- New Indian Express
A gingerbread paradise in Kochi
Tabitha Kurien never planned on becoming a professional baker. But somewhere between the cinnamon-scented chaos of holiday baking with her grandmothers and the hours spent interning in cafe kitchens, baking became her calling. Today, her venture, The Baking Project, has grown from a solo kitchen experiment into a thriving business in Nettoor, Kochi, and is popular for European-style desserts and DIY gingerbread house kits. 'Baking was always around me,' says Tabitha. 'During holidays, all of us grandkids would crowd into the kitchen with our grandmas. We would all pitch in — mixing batter, rolling dough. It was chaotic, but also joyful.' Perhaps it was that childhood joy that eventually led her to do a degree in food and nutrition. 'But I did not have a clear career plan. Basically, I was only ruling out what I didn't want to do. Food, somehow, felt right. It felt like home,' she smiles.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt stays contract for 12cr aspirational toilets, orders probe
Mumbai: The state govt on Thursday ordered a stay on the Rs 12 crore aspirational toilets construction contract. Industries Minister Uday Samant said an inquiry will be conducted and a report will be submitted in 30 days, but till then, work on the toilets will be stayed. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled that the state govt must direct municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to conduct a probe against additional municipal commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi, who is pushing the aspirational toilet project and take action against her if any irregularities are found in the probe. The BMC has claimed that three tenders were floated for 13 toilets worth around Rs 21 crore. Each toilet costs around Rs 1.65 crore. However, 3 aspirational toilets were on open spaces so they were dropped. One toilet was in Dharavi which was dropped since the area is now part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. For the toilet near Sion Fort, BMC couldn't get permission from the Archaeological Survey of India and it was dropped. The toilet at VB Worlikar Marg in Worli was cancelled after orders from municipal commissioner. At the moment, work is going on for seven toilets only that cost around Rs 12 crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Virginia: Gov Will Cover Cost To Install Solar For Eligible Homeowners In These Zips Energy Bill Cruncher Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly by BJP MLA Ameet Satam through a calling attention motion. Satam said that the BMC has approved tenders for 14 'Aspirational Toilets' worth Rs 20 crore, and work has already commenced at five locations in A Ward. "Despite the BMC's own Pedestrian First policy and the fact that these areas are surrounded by heritage buildings and precincts, these structures are not just toilets but effectively amount to BMC-sponsored encroachments on public footpaths. The local elected representative had opposed the construction of these toilets on footpaths. Was this opposition taken into account by the BMC?"asked Satam. Aspirational toilets have a European-style design with smart features like automatic flushing, sensor-based lighting and ventilation, and even voice assistance.
India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
Mini Europe In India: 7 Places That Will Give You Global Feels
photoDetails english 2933035 Explore Europe without leaving India. Here, is a list of 7 places in India and these destinations offer international charm with Indian flavor. Lavasa, Maharashtra evokes a royal European aura, while Pondicherry resembles a quaint Italian town. Shillong, Meghalaya feels like the Scottish countryside, and Auroville, Tamil Nadu transports you to European eco-village. These 7 destinations are perfect for travel lovers craving global experiences closer to home. Updated:Jul 17, 2025, 12:25 PM IST Lavasa, Maharashtra: 1 / 7 Lavasa, Maharashtra: This town is considered to be inspired by the Italian Town. It's a picturesque hill city with colorful & vibrant buildings, lakeside promenades, and cobbled streets. The European-style architecture and serene landscape attract visitors straight to a the Western Ghats. Pondicherry: 2 / 7 Pondicherry: This place has a charming boulevards, mustard-yellow colonial villas, French street signs, and café culture. Pondicherry offers a true Francophile experience and the White Town area feels like walking through a quaint seaside town in southern France. Here you can experience breathtaking beaches. Shillong, Meghalaya: 3 / 7 Shillong, Meghalaya: Here, you can experience rolling hills, cool climate, pine forests, and colonial-era architecture that have earned Shillong its nickname. The charming cottages, breathtaking landscapes, and winding roads make it feel like you are experiencing a Scottish countryside. Auroville, Tamil Nadu: 4 / 7 Auroville, Tamil Nadu: This experimental town which is near Pondicherry draws its inspiration from universal human unity. It has dome-shaped Matrimandir, multicultural residents, and eco-conscious lifestyle that feels like a futuristic European eco-village. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh – India's Mini Switzerland: 5 / 7 Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh – India's Mini Switzerland: Here, you can experience thick deodar forests, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks, Khajjiar strongly that resembles Switzerland's alpine landscapes. Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan: 6 / 7 Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan: This fort is a 15th-century heritage fort that has been converted into a heritage fort converted into a luxury hotel echoes the charm of European castles. Here, you can experience stone archways, terraced gardens, and medieval vibes. North Goa: 7 / 7 North Goa: Here, you can experience narrow lanes, and pastel-hued homes, Baroque churches, and tilted roofs of North Goa still retain their strong Portuguese influence. It evokes a feeling of a European coastal town with this artsy flair.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Resto war heats up in Hills as Darj icons vie with brand from Kolkata
Kolkata: Darjeeling's iconic confectionery Glenary's and breakfast joint Keventer's now face competition from Kolkata's heritage tea room Flurys, with the latter setting up shop a few metres away on Nehru Road. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Flurys, the European-style tea room on Park Street in Kolkata, was founded by Swiss couple Mr and Mrs J Flury in 1927. The Apeejay Group acquired Flurys in 1965. Despite its popularity, it continued to exist only on Park Street until the turn of the century. It was around 2013 that it began expanding. This expansion drive picked up speed in recent years, with the setting up of outlets in neighbourhoods across Kolkata. Beyond Kolkata, Flurys now has around 15 outlets in Mumbai, apart from two each in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, and one each in Delhi, Indore, and Gangtok. In recent years, it has expanded beyond Kolkata to the rest of Bengal, with outlets and kiosks in Durgapur, Serampore, and Chandannagar in south Bengal, and six locations in north Bengal, including two in Siliguri. The Flurys outlet in Darjeeling is the seventh unit in north Bengal and the 103rd overall. Situated in the Shangrila Complex, just a few steps from Darjeeling Mall, it will not only give competition to Glenary's, which was set up in 1885, but also to Keventer's. The 26-seater outlet retains Flurys' signature rose-pink interior and vintage-style decor. On its menu are signature Flurys items, like buttery chicken patties, zesty lemon tarts, rum balls, and the classic English breakfast. It will also serve Darjeeling tea in Darjeeling. Darjeeling has seen several cafes come up in recent years, including Himalayan Coffee, which serves confectioneries in a cosy setting, Himalayan Java Coffee, which specialises in Indian coffee beans roasted in-house, Tom & Jerry's Cafe, which serves all-day breakfast, the rooftop tea bar and cafe Golden Tips Teattoria Chowrasta, and Frank Ross Cafe, which serves vegan food.
