1. Surgeries May Stop in Govt Hospitals in 2 Weeks
In another two weeks, the state’s 17 government-run hospitals may begin to turn down elective surgeries. The hospitals, including JJ, Cama, St George’s and GT in Mumbai, have been crippled by a dire shortage of surgical materials in the last eight months, forcing them to place orders from suppliers on credit.
With their dues mounting — sources said Rs 90 crore has not been paid in three years — the suppliers are now refusing to keep the credit lines open.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
2. No HC Relief for Ban on Loud Music During Fests
The Bombay High Court has refused to grant relief to the petitioners seeking to lift the ban on DJs and other high-decibel audio systems during Ganpati immersions and Navratri festivities. The bench of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and Sarang Kotwal reserved its verdict on the plea filed by the Professional Audio and Lighting Association, which had challenged the ban.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the State Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni justified the ban saying that the systems were a major source of noise pollution in the state and their use during festivals could not be allowed. He told the court that the moment such audio systems were switched on, the noise level was over 100 decibels, way above the ambient level or the maximum permissible limit under the Noise Pollution Rules, 2000.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
3. Dengue Cases Rise in City, One Death This Month
The city witnessed one death each from dengue and leptospirosis during the last fortnight, with dengue cases and infections with dengue-like symptoms escalating due to the weather conditions. Health officials estimate that with light spells of rain amid sunny days, mosquito-breeding will increase, leading to greater risk of viral infections spreading.
According to the municipal health department, 213 dengue cases and 2,322 patients with dengue-like symptoms were recorded in just two weeks since September 1. The figures have jumped from 79 dengue cases recorded in the same period towards August-end.
(Source: Indian Express)
4. After Ban, BMC Earns Rs 1.1 Crore Fine, Collects 18,000 Kg Plastic
Three months after the Maharashtra government banned plastic, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected Rs 1.1 crore in fine and confiscated 18,601 kg plastic until September 18.
On March 23, the government issued a notification, banning the manufacture, use, sale, and distribution of all single-use plastic items such as bags, spoons, plates, bottles, and thermocol items. The ban came into effect from June 23.
The civic body’s plastic ban team visited 2.37 lakh shops since June 23, of which 269 owners refused to pay the fine and were issued challans.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
5. 2,600 High-Rises Violated Fire Safety Norms in 4 Years
In the past four years, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) fire brigade department inspected over 5,200 high rise buildings, of which, over 50% were found to have violated fire safety norms.
Notices were served to all 2,600 buildings and though the number is high, chief fire officer (CFO) PS Rahangdale claims that the city is safer than before.
According to data compiled by Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), since 2014, MFB conducted random inspections in over 5,200 high rises and about 50% were found to have violated fire safety norms.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
6. Sena Lawmaker Announces New Party to Fight for Maratha Quota
Accusing the Shiv Senaleadership of asking him not to voice his views on the Maratha quota issue, party MLA in Maharashtra Harshvardhan Jadhavannounced on Wednesday that he is floating a new outfit.
Jadhav, who tendered his resignation on the issue of reservations for the Marathas, Dhangars and Muslims in July, said his new party will strive to get quota for these communities.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
7. Not Cool: Mumbai Won’t Get 4 AC Locals This Year
Mumbaikars hoping for a break from the weary commute in stuffy coaches will have to wait longer for more AC locals. Production delays, blamed on an inadequate supply of electrical parts, have hit the railways’ plan to introduce four trains with air conditioning by December.
The country’s top coach-maker, ICF in Chennai, has said it will be able to deliver just two trains by year end, that too if Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), another public sector undertaking, sends the required components in time.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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