News

May 26, 2023

Mumbai Buzz: Marine Drive Public Toilet

The residents’ demand to change the location of the public toilet, which was planned at Marine Drive was accepted by the BMC. Residents claimed the earlier location could destroy the aesthetics of

The residents’ demand to change the location of the public toilet, which was planned at Marine Drive was accepted by the BMC. Residents claimed the earlier location could destroy the aesthetics of Marine Drive. They suggested an alternative spot near Rajni Patel Marg but it is yet to be confirmed by the civic body.

Ashok Gupta from Marine Drive Citizen’s Association (MDCA) was quoted as saying, “While the toilet was being built until Tuesday, the DMC and Harshita Narvekar assured us on Wednesday that the toilet would be built elsewhere. They have started taking down the shed erected at the location and stopped construction.”

“We’re not against the toilet facility. Marine Drive attracts several tourists, so toilets are essential. We objected to the location. The designated spot made no sense as there is already a toilet about 500 – 600 metres away, and it would block the view and hamper the appeal of the heritage precinct,” added Gupta.

Source: Indian Express

Read More: No more free rehousing, but government offers discounted homes to slum dwellers

The Shakha located in Bandra east Nirmal Nagar was demolished by BMC. The demolition was carried out in presence of high police security. This Shakha was managed by the Shiv Sena members of the UBT faction. Haji Halim Khan, a former corporator who belongs to the UBT faction said, “Being the former local corporator, this Shakha falls under my jurisdiction. Last week, members of the Shinde faction asked me to join their team and contest the upcoming civic elections with them. I refused their offer, following which they threatened that our Shakha will be pulled down by civic officials.”

Source: Indian Express

Playing of Azaan in a school in Kandivali led to suspension of a school teacher. The 30 sec clip of the prayer was recorded and shared in social media, which led to people gathering outside the Kapol Vidyanidhi International School. Demonstrations by the BJP, MNS and Eknath Shinde faction of Shivsena ensued. “The prayer was an initiative to educate students on various faiths,” said the principal of the school Reshma Hegde. BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar from Charkop in Kandivali (west) claimed the playing of Azaan had hurt the sentiments of the majority community.

Source: Times of India

The civic body has involved the experts from the JJ School of arts for the beautification of Marine drive, one of the most popular tourist attractions. It is part of the state government’s beautification plan. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) would change the façade – 30-odd sea-facing buildings, from the stretch of Princess Street flyover to the Air India Building, close to the southern tip of the precinct, will get uniform splash of colour.

Source: Hindustan Times

A 13-year-old girl was allegedly intoxicated and raped by her 19-year-old friend repeatedly for a month at her residence in Chembur. Whenever the minor was home alone the friend used to assault her. The accused was known by the family of the minor and he also had access to her house keys. The accused also often used to steal from the house, said the Chembur police. The police said that the man would visit the girl, intoxicate her and rape her in semi-conscious state.

Source: Free Press Journal

Compiled by Stephin Thomas