Latest news with #GodfreyPimenta
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Only 1,400 families of 26,547 railway accident victims have received compensation in 10 years
MUMBAI: Families of only 1,408 of the 26,547 people who died while travelling on Mumbai's suburban railway network in the past 10 years have been compensated. This was revealed in a Right to Information (RTI) query from Indian Railways by activist Godfrey Pimenta recently. Jiten fell to his death while boarding an overcrowded CST-bound train in Kalwa, in 2012 More than 70 lakh passengers travel by local trains – considered Mumbai's lifeline -- every day. The deaths are caused by overcrowding – as was the case on June 9 when two overcrowded trains passed one another near Mumbra station, leading to five people falling off and losing their lives -- or by passengers getting trapped in the gap between the platform and the train. Crossing tracks irresponsibly or stampede, such as the one on September 29, 2017, at the Elphinstone Road Railway Station, where 22 people were killed, are other occurrences that lead to deaths. On an average, at least eight people die in such incidents on all three railway lines in Mumbai every day, which is not surprising as a single coach is packed with 1,800 passengers -- two to three times over its actual capacity. However, only a fraction of families of the dead have received compensation from the railways in the last decade. The maximum compensation given to a family is ₹8 lakh. The railways has spent ₹103.71 crore to pay families of 1,408 deceased passengers between January 1, 2015 and May 31, 2025, whereas 494 injured have received financial assistance of ₹14.24 crore in this duration. Siddhesh Desai, vice president of Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh, a body that works to solve passengers' issues, said, 'The tragic deaths are not mere statistics – they represent systemic neglect by authorities responsible for ensuring commuter safety. They can be prevented with better infrastructure and governance.' Madhu Kotian, member of a railway passengers' association, said, 'Delay in justice is unacceptable. Railway accident victims and their families deserve dignity and timely support. We urgently need to fast-track compensation claims with strict timelines, set up more benches of the Railway Claims Tribunal in Mumbai, fix accountability on the Railway, Government Railway Police (GRP), and other relevant agencies to curb safety lapses, and ensure timely completion of pending projects, foolproof fencing, foot-overbridges and widening platforms.' Sixty-six-year-old A P Wara, whose son Jiten fell to his death while boarding an overcrowded CST-bound train in Kalwa, in 2012, has been struggling to get compensation for the last 13 years. Twenty-nine-year-old Jiten worked at Thomas Cook in Nariman Point. 'I lost my son due to overcrowding, but the Railway Claims Tribunal suspected it to be a case of suicide, as no witness came forward to confirm the incident. I was made to go to the tribunal several times and submit various documents,' said Wara, adding that while her husband was alive 'he would make the rounds of the courts, which I have taken over since his death in 2022'. Twenty-two-year-old Neha Trivedi, who was on her way to work in Vile Parle from Jogeshwari in 2013, was pushed off an overcrowded platform onto the tracks and was hit by a local, leading to her death, said her father Ram Trivedi, 58, a daily wage worker. 'We have been making the rounds of the tribunal for compensation. Neha was the only steady earning member of our house and the compensation money would have helped us educate our younger daughter,' said Trivedi. 'We have now lost all hope and stopped going to the tribunal as we cannot afford the commute just to return empty handed,' said Trivedi, adding that the lawyer representing him has assured justice will prevail. 'Although we know that it is of no use we are still hoping,' he said. 'Despite an increase in the ex-gratia relief by Indian Railways – from the earlier ₹50,000 to ₹8 lakh – the enhancement only seems more symbolic than substantial given the magnitude of loss and suffering experienced by victims' families. Even the revised amounts fail to match rising living costs and emotional toll on families. More worryingly, disparities persist across different states and incidents, leading to unequal pay outs for victims who deserve the same protection under the law,' said Pimenta.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
One year after contractor approval, green nod for Madh-Versova bridge
Mumbai: Almost a year after issuing a letter of acceptance to the contractor, the BMC has obtained an NOC from the Union environment ministry for the proposed Madh-Versova bridge. The civic body now has to seek approval from the Bombay High Court, as the project will impact 2.3 hectares of protected mangroves -- a mandatory step for any construction in ecologically sensitive zones. "The exact number of mangroves affected is yet to be determined. Once all approvals are in place, the work order will be issued," a BMC official said. The total contract cost stands at Rs 2,395 crore, comprising Rs 1,990 crore for civil works, Rs 39.89 crore for operations and maintenance over three years, and Rs 365.36 crore as GST (18%). T he planned cable-stayed flyover will span 2.06 km, connecting Madh island to Versova by crossing over the Madh creek. Currently, the two areas are linked by a ferry service, with no direct road access. Motorists must take lengthy detours via Link Road, SV Road or Western Express Highway, often facing travel times exceeding 45 minutes during peak hours. The bridge is expected to cut commute times by 40 to 60 minutes. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Environmentalists have voiced strong objections, citing the destruction of natural stormwater buffers. Advocate Godfrey Pimenta said, "In the 1991 Development Plan, this was designated as a no-development zone (NDZ). However, the 2034 DP introduced a road network that includes the Madh-Versova bridge. This move will systematically destroy natural habitats and will burden local infrastructure beyond its capacity. "
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Home buyers left in the dark as MahaRERA blocks details of project under abeyance
Mumbai: Home buyers and advocates are unable to view details of projects kept on abeyance on the MahaRERA website. When some attempted to view details of a project on the website, a message is displayed stating the project is kept in abeyance and the bank account is frozen. However, all vital details, such as completion date, occupancy certificate, approval status, and past orders, are inaccessible to home buyers. Lawyers claim that without public access to essential details, such as Form 4, project approvals, and prior MahaRERA or appellate orders, home buyers will be prevented from availing legal remedy. However, MahaRERA officials have said that the home buyer can write to the regulator seeking details of their project, and the same would be mailed to them. "A home buyer approached seeking to register a complaint regarding a project since there was a delay in the handover of the flat with OC to my client. When I was trying to access all details of the project, including the orders passed by MahaRERA regarding the project, which would enable me to cite the orders in my complaint, a message on the website said that the project is kept in abeyance. All orders regarding a project are normally displayed on the website, which is for the benefit of the home buyers," said Advocate Godfrey Pimenta. Pimenta has written to the state housing department highlighting the issue and pointed out that Section 4(2)(l) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) mandates the developer and the regulator to make available all project-related information to the public. Pimenta stated that MahaRERA froze the project but failed to preserve access for prospective complainants. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai A MahaRERA official pointed out that details of lapsed projects are available. "Details of only those projects, which have been kept on abeyance, are not available on the website. We can provide the same if a home buyer writes to us. Projects are kept in abeyance when the project becomes non-compliant, including not updating progress and status of the project. After a notice is issued, sufficient time is given. Thereafter, the registration is temporarily suspended, and their website is blocked, besides their bank accounts too are frozen. We also ensure no registration of units is carried out in the project. We are not providing any details of the project kept in abeyance in the interest of the home buyers," said a MahaRERA official. The Watchdog Foundation demanded that the MahaRERA portal should resume public access to all non-sensitive details of the project while retaining any regulatory freeze.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Byculla zoo sees sharp drop in animal deaths, but concerns remain over missing species
MUMBAI: The city's iconic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo — better known as the Byculla Zoo or Victoria Gardens — has long drawn criticism over its ageing infrastructure and questionable animal welfare practices. But new data reveals a notable shift: animal deaths at India's oldest zoo have significantly declined over the past five years, suggesting that ongoing upgrades and reforms may finally be paying off. Byculla zoo sees sharp drop in animal deaths, but concerns remain over missing species Figures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by activist Godfrey Pimenta show that annual animal deaths at the 162-year-old zoo dropped from 70 in 2019-20 to just 25 in 2024-25 — a 64% decrease over five years. (SEE BOX) Spread across 22 hectares, the zoo currently houses 390 animals spanning 31 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. A senior civic official attributed the falling mortality rates to a more 'stable population' following the introduction of younger animals and gradual phasing out of geriatric residents. 'For decades, we weren't getting new animals. Most of the earlier deaths were due to old age. Now, with new species arriving and breeding improving, we're seeing a stabilised age profile,' the official said. A costly turnaround The transformation didn't come cheap. Since 2018, the BMC has spent close to ₹200 crore on a phased revamp of the zoo, including state-of-the-art enclosures and improved living conditions. The lion enclosure alone cost ₹8.25 crore, while ₹7.15 crore went into a wolf enclosure and ₹3.82 crore into an otter habitat. Spaces for reptiles, birds and crocodilians were also upgraded. However, the zoo has continued to draw flak for its high maintenance costs, particularly the ongoing expense of housing its Humboldt penguins — a flagship species whose upkeep has long raised questions over cost-efficiency and suitability to Mumbai's tropical climate. Animal welfare activists like Nilesh Bhanage, founder of the Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), recall the dismal state of affairs from a decade ago. 'Earlier, animals were kept in 10x10 metal cages. Elephants were kept in solitary enclosures, with mirrors placed inside to create the illusion of companionship,' he said. The last elephant at the zoo, Anarkali, died of old age earlier this year. Since then, Bhanage admits, some improvements are visible. 'Today, animals live in enclosures that replicate their natural habitats. Penguins live in controlled environments, primates have trees to climb, and carnivores have space to move.' He also pointed out enrichment practices being adopted — like hanging meat on trees for lions to simulate a hunt or providing swimming pools for otters. The zoo has also diversified its feeding routines. 'We introduced seasonal and varied diets to improve nutrition,' said an official. Such enrichment — now a global standard in zoos — aims to keep captive animals mentally and physically stimulated. Species missing, some numbers dwindling Yet not all signs are positive. The RTI data also flags worrying declines in some species populations. The number of Night Herons fell from 96 to 42, barking deer from 19 to 10, and all 35 Budgerigars have vanished from the records. 'These variations can happen with flock species or due to natural attrition. It's not always easy to determine exact causes,' the official said, though no clear reasons were offered for the disappearance of the birds. Bhanage cautioned that while the infrastructure has improved, overall care standards and transparency still need scrutiny. 'What's missing is an independent mechanism to monitor animal health and welfare — beyond municipal oversight.'
Time of India
05-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
50 animal births & 25 deaths at Byculla zoo between Apr '24 and Mar '25: RTI
Mumbai: Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Gardens and Zoo in Byculla recorded 50 animal births and 25 deaths, according to information received through a Right to Information (RTI) query filed by activist Godfrey Pimenta of Watchdog Foundation. Among the 50 births, additions included three Humboldt penguin chicks (two males and a female), 12 cockatiels, and several spotted and barking deer. The zoo also reported births of Rhesus macaques, Indian flapshell turtles, and a painted stork chick during the year. On the other hand, the 25 recorded deaths include six spotted deer, three Indian flapshell turtles, two budgerigars, and individual losses of larger species — sambar deer, an elephant, and a striped hyena. The zoo also lost a newborn painted stork chick in the same period. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The data is part of a larger six-year report of animal births and deaths at the zoo sought by Pimenta under RTI, showing long-term trends in zoo animal health and breeding success. Between 2019 and 2025, Byculla zoo recorded 286 animal births and 275 deaths. The worst period was year 2020–21, when the zoo recorded 14 births against 59 deaths, which could be due to pandemic-related challenges. A senior BMC official said works are ongoing to ensure improved animal welfare at all levels, which can be seen in the number of visitors. In the past five years, over 1 crore have visited the facility, shows civic data.
