Latest news with #Satam
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt stays contract for 12cr aspirational toilets, orders probe
Mumbai: The state govt on Thursday ordered a stay on the Rs 12 crore aspirational toilets construction contract. Industries Minister Uday Samant said an inquiry will be conducted and a report will be submitted in 30 days, but till then, work on the toilets will be stayed. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled that the state govt must direct municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to conduct a probe against additional municipal commissioner (City) Ashwini Joshi, who is pushing the aspirational toilet project and take action against her if any irregularities are found in the probe. The BMC has claimed that three tenders were floated for 13 toilets worth around Rs 21 crore. Each toilet costs around Rs 1.65 crore. However, 3 aspirational toilets were on open spaces so they were dropped. One toilet was in Dharavi which was dropped since the area is now part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. For the toilet near Sion Fort, BMC couldn't get permission from the Archaeological Survey of India and it was dropped. The toilet at VB Worlikar Marg in Worli was cancelled after orders from municipal commissioner. At the moment, work is going on for seven toilets only that cost around Rs 12 crore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Virginia: Gov Will Cover Cost To Install Solar For Eligible Homeowners In These Zips Energy Bill Cruncher Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly by BJP MLA Ameet Satam through a calling attention motion. Satam said that the BMC has approved tenders for 14 'Aspirational Toilets' worth Rs 20 crore, and work has already commenced at five locations in A Ward. "Despite the BMC's own Pedestrian First policy and the fact that these areas are surrounded by heritage buildings and precincts, these structures are not just toilets but effectively amount to BMC-sponsored encroachments on public footpaths. The local elected representative had opposed the construction of these toilets on footpaths. Was this opposition taken into account by the BMC?"asked Satam. Aspirational toilets have a European-style design with smart features like automatic flushing, sensor-based lighting and ventilation, and even voice assistance.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Structures erected on footpaths'
The Maharashtra government on Thursday ordered a stay on the construction of 14 air-conditioned toilets at tourist places across south Mumbai, following allegations that the structures were being erected on pedestrian footpaths in violation of urban planning norms and heritage regulations. The Rs 20-crore project, being executed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), came under scrutiny after BJP MLA Ameet Satam raised the issue in the state Assembly through a Calling Attention Motion. Satam alleged that the civic body had cleared tenders and initiated work at multiple locations in Colaba and Fort—both protected heritage precincts—without proper consultation or adherence to BMC's own 'Pedestrian First' policy. 'These are not just toilets. They are BMC-sponsored encroachments that obstruct pedestrian movement and compromise the integrity of heritage zones,' Satam told the House. 'Was the opposition of the local elected representative considered? Who identified these locations and cleared tenders worth Rs 1.75 crore per toilet?' Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, taking strong note of the concerns raised, directed the government to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter and submit a report within 30 days. 'Despite clear opposition from elected representatives, unilateral decisions are being made by officers. If the probe finds violations of policy, action must be taken against the Additional Municipal Commissioner (City),' Narwekar said. Industries Minister Uday Samant, responding on behalf of the government, assured the House that an inquiry would be initiated immediately. 'Work on the toilets will be stayed until the probe is completed. Any procedural irregularities or policy violations will be dealt with strictly,' he said. Work had already commenced at five locations in A Ward. Some of these sites fall within UNESCO-recognised heritage precincts, prompting concerns over possible violations of heritage guidelines. Guardian Minister for Mumbai Suburban Ashish Shelar pointed out that even if heritage committee approval had been obtained, the civic body must ensure compliance with stringent construction norms in protected zones. 'The visual and architectural character of the city must not be compromised. Pedestrian rights cannot be ignored,' he said. The Speaker added that exemplary action must be taken if any official is found bypassing procedure, 'so that such disregard for the legislature is not repeated.'
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Conspiracy to polarise Mumbai for vote bank politics says BJP MLA Ameet Satam
MUMBAI: In a bid to take on the Marathi manoos narrative of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the BMC polls, BJP MLA Ameet Satam on Tuesday said in the Legislative Assembly that a conspiracy is underway to polarize the city for vote-bank politics. Satam said in the days to come, 'some Khan will become the Mayor of Mumbai, adding that attempts are being made to polarize and divide Mumbai. While efforts have been made to modernize and secure the city through infrastructure projects under CM Devendra Fadnavis, there are also attempts by certain elements to change the colour of Mumbai, Satam said. While Mumbai is becoming more prosperous and secure, Satam said that some elements are trying to change the city's identity. "Pakistani flags are seen in the political rallies of such groups, and even individuals accused in bomb blast cases are participating in these campaigns. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Certain forces are attempting to destabilize Mumbai for electoral gains through Urban Naxal influence. If these elements, who seek to change the colour of the city, continue to gain political power, then every road in Mumbai will resemble Mohammad Ali Road. Some 'Khan' will become the mayor of this city. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This beautiful city will be destroyed by the emergence of patterns like those seen in Versova or Malvani. The govt must take action to prevent this,' Satam said. Satam pointed out that 50% of Mumbai's population lives in slums. "Previously, slums located on land reserved for parks could not be redeveloped. But a revolutionary decision by the Mahayuti govt now allows for the redevelopment of 60% of such land. Under this initiative, residents are receiving rightful housing through the PM Awas Yojana," Satam said while speaking on a discussion on Mumbai in the Legislative Assembly.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ahead of International Yoga Day, ACP Pradyuman aka Shivaji Satam, credits Pranayama for quitting chain smoking and transforming his life
Renowned actor Shivaji Satam , beloved for his iconic portrayal of ACP Pradyuman in the popular TV series CID, recently shared a deeply personal account of his journey from being a heavy smoker to embracing a healthier lifestyle through Pranayama . His testimonial was featured in a video posted by the Ministry of AYUSH on their X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting the transformative power of yoga. — moayush (@moayush) Satam candidly spoke about his past struggle: "There was a time when I used to smoke 35 to 40 cigarettes a day. I felt very bad about it. What could I do? But one day, it reached a point where my breathing started to suffer. I couldn't even work properly." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The price of dental implants may surprise you Dental Implants | Search Ads Search Now Undo A turning point came when a friend suggested he try Pranayama yoga. "Then I started doing yoga," Satam recalled. "In two to two-and-a-half years, I've seen a vast change in my breathing. I feel a lot better. Sometimes, with my friends, I even play cricket, go for walks, and then head to shooting. Yoga has become a very important part of my daily routine." A global movement: International Yoga Day Satam also acknowledged the significant role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in popularizing yoga globally. "Ten years ago, our dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi started Yoga Divas [International Yoga Day ], which has become a global movement," he stated. Live Events Join the Yoga Sangam on June 21st Looking ahead to the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21st, Satam encouraged widespread participation in the Ministry of AYUSH's 'Yoga Sangam' initiative. "This time, the AYUSH Ministry is bringing 'Yoga Sangam' on June 21st. The entire country is going to join this 'Yoga Sangam.' I also want us all to participate in this. Wherever we live, whether it's a society, school, or college, we should form teams to participate in the 'Yoga Sangam.'" Concluding his powerful message, Shivaji Satam emphasized, "Yoga doesn't just transform the body — it transforms life itself." His story serves as an inspiring testament to the profound benefits of yoga and Pranayama in overcoming challenges and fostering overall well-being.
India Today
06-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Disputes emerge in Mumbai housing societies over goat sacrifice on Bakri Eid
As Mumbai prepares to celebrate Eid-al-Adha on Saturday, several housing societies in the city are witnessing disputes over permissions to sacrifice al-Adha or Bakri Eid is celebrated by the Muslim community as the festival of sacrifice. On this day, people traditionally sacrifice animals such as goats, sheep, or camels, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in issues have arisen following the enforcement of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) guidelines and growing objections from residents and neighbouring societies. On Thursday, the BMC's P South Ward office revoked the no-objection certificate (NOC) earlier granted to a housing society in Gokuldham, Goregaon East, after receiving objections from nearby civic body cited the presence of another slaughtering location within a 1-kilometre radius as the reason for the Priti Satam, who led a delegation to the BMC, said, 'In Satellite Society, Gokul Dham, permission was given for goat slaughter during Eid in open space. We met the ward officer and told him that you have given permission for slaughter in open space.'She added that the BMC acted according to its guidelines, which prohibit slaughter within 1 km of a religious structure or in an open space. 'We are thankful to BMC for respecting our religious sentiments. Festivals should be celebrated following guidelines,' Satam similar dispute reached the Bombay High Court after BMC denied permission to Maitri Society in Damodar Park, Ghatkopar West. The residents, who have been conducting sacrifices at the same location for years, approached the court. On Friday, the vacation bench directed the society to reapply for permission and instructed the BMC to decide on the application the same Kaif Mujawar, representing Maitri Society residents, said, 'We informed the honourable court that we have been getting permissions at the same location for past many years. Designated place for slaughtering is small and cramped. There is a limitation on number of goats that can be slaughtered there. Court has asked the society to reapply for the permission. We have faith in judiciary. In other cases, as per the guidelines even if there is a mosque nearby, permission is denied. Permissions once given are being revoked under political pressure.'In another case, a senior citizen from Kurla (W) filed a complaint alleging illegal animal slaughter in residential premises in Kurla's Naupada, citing hygiene per High Court directions, the BMC has issued guidelines specifying four categories of places where slaughtering is permitted upon obtaining an NOC — designated marketplaces, community spaces, privately owned premises, and housing if a community slaughtering space, including a religious one, is within 1 km walking distance from a housing society, then the NOC cannot be granted.
