1. List is out! 139 most polluted cities in India and Mumbai ranks 43rd
A new report by Greenpeace India has identified 139 cities where air pollution levels exceed national standards but were not included in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that was recently released by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). What is also shocking and worrisome is the fact that Mumbai ranks 43 in the list.
A report titled Airpocalypse III which was released a couple of days back states that even if we are optimistic and assume that air pollution across India can be reduced by 30 percent 153 cities will be left with pollution levels exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Source: Midday
2. Maharashtra Govt Puts On Hold Pension, ST Travel Concession For Senior Citizens
In a bid to avoid the additional burden of ₹350 crore, the cash-strapped state government has put its plan of extending financial benefits to senior citizens in the 60-65 age bracket on hold.
The government, in July last year, announced the age criterion for senior citizens would be lowered to 60 years from 65 years. While the schemes not linked to finances such as medical aid, old-age homes were implemented immediately, pension under the Shravan Bal Seva Rajya Nivrutti Vetan Yojana (SBSRNVY), for those with an annual income of less than ₹21,000, and ST bus concession were referred to an expert committee headed by the chief secretary.
Source: Hindustan Times
3. Twin-Tunnel Breakthrough For Underground Metro-3 In Mumbai, 35% Work Done
In another milestone in the construction of the fully underground Metro-3 (Colaba-Bandra-Seepz) corridor, twin tunnels were completed between the Nayanagar launching shaft and proposed Dadar station on Thursday. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has now completed 35% of work on the corridor.
Krishna 1, which was the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) to be lowered in September 2017, completed 2,490m in 506 days. And Krishna 2, which was lowered in October 2017, completed 2,472m in 479 days. On an average, both TBMs dug 10 to 12m every day.
Source: Hindustan Times
4. BMC Won’t Acquire 50 Plots Reserved For Playground, Park
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided not to acquire 50 plots spread over 15 acres that was reserved for a playground, park, public welfare centre and other amenities. Citing encroachment and huge cost, the BMC has refused acquisitions of around 50 plots in Majas, Andheri East. The reservation was marked in the Development Plan (DP), 1991, and retained in DP 2014-34.
A proposal informing about not acquiring the plots will be tabled at the Improvement Committee meeting on Thursday. Shiv Sena corporator Anant Nar had written to the BMC administration to acquire these plots. In reply, the civic body clarified that since it will cost about Rs 98 crore to acquire them and there is encroachment, as slums have come up, it is not viable to go ahead with the acquisition. As of now, there is no SRA scheme proposed on these plots, reads the BMC reply.
Source: The Indian Express
5. Boy Missing Since 2015 Reunited With Parents
A resident of Vasant Vihar in Thane, who went missing in 2015, was traced and reunited with his parents on Wednesday afternoon.
During the four-year-long investigation, three people were arrested and the boy’s family filed a writ petition accusing the police of dragging their feet in the case.
Thane Crime Branch officers said Sumedh Chandra went missing on March 27, 2015, and his parents registered a complaint with the Vartak Nagar police. On April 1, they received a ransom call demanding ₹1 lakh.
Source: The Hindu