Shefali Parab-Pandit

Back-to-back BJP and Shiv Sena walkouts from key BMC committees exposed friction within Mumbai's ruling alliance. BJP members left the Improvements Committee after their objection to a Jogeshwari land proposal was overruled. Shiv Sena later walked out of the Standing Committee, alleging inaction over complaints linked to the SRA amnesty scheme and warning it could walk out of power.

Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Deepmala Bade has sought a hike in BMC corporators' monthly honorarium from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh, citing inflation and increased responsibilities. However, BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde) and Congress leaders opposed the proposal, saying funds should prioritise public works. The demand will be placed before the BMC general body meeting for consideration.

Congress opposed a BMC proposal to change reservations on a 4,179.56 sq m Versova plot currently marked for a municipal chowky and fire station. Party leader Ashraf Azmi said the move could enable residential development and demanded details on FSI, TDR and land ownership. Congress sought hearings with residents and the fire brigade before any decision.

BMC has made MDCTS registration mandatory for construction and demolition projects and waste-carrying vehicles across Mumbai, with a 15-day deadline. Vehicles must also have an active VTMS, while unregistered vehicles or those without approved tracking can attract a Rs 25,000 fine per violation. The system will track waste from generation to authorised disposal or reuse.

The BMC has refused to withdraw Mumbai's 10% water cut despite reservoirs being 96% full, citing below-normal rainfall and the risk of pressure on reserves if September remains dry. Corporators across party lines demanded a rollback, while the civic body said it would review lake levels after September and explore additional water sources.

The BMC plans to map Mumbai areas facing severe water shortages and introduce zone-wise full-supply days based on demand and supply gaps. The city currently receives 4,100 ML daily against demand of 4,600 ML. Despite lakes holding 96% of combined stock, the 10% water cut remains, with officials monitoring storage ahead of October 1.

The BMC Improvement Committee rejected a proposal to remove the fire-station reservation from a 1,143-sq-m Versova plot and rezone it for housing. Corporators said the area urgently needs a dedicated fire station and questioned an official certification that it was unnecessary. The committee also sought an inquiry and sent the proposal back for reconsideration.

BMC and Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal will process festival food waste through biomethanation plants to generate renewable electricity for hospitals. Around 80 tonnes of organic waste collected during Ganeshotsav is expected to produce nearly 7,744 units of clean energy while promoting waste segregation and sustainable festival practices.

Congress leader Ashraf Azmi has opposed the proposed scrapping of Rehabilitation and Resettlement reservation at Majas in Jogeshwari East, citing BMC's own PAP housing figures. He said the move contradicts the civic body's ₹20,751 crore rehabilitation housing efforts and warned against altering land reserved for public purposes in Mumbai.

BMC's Modak Mahotsav 2026 will offer Mumbaikars traditional ukadiche and fried modaks made by women's self-help groups. Citizens can register online for doorstep delivery across Mumbai from September 14. The initiative aims to bring festive treats to homes while supporting women entrepreneurs.