India
The preparation for the Char Dham Yatra is reviewed by CM Dhami
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed preparations for the annual Char Dham yatra on Thursday, more than a month before it begins, and ordered officials to make better use of technology to make the yatra safer and more convenient for pilgrims.
This year’s Char Dham Yatra begins on May 3 with the opening of the Yamunotri temple’s doors in the Himalayan district of Uttarkashi.
Due to the removal of the Covid-led restrictions, large groups of worshippers are likely to go to Himalayan temples this year.
For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a shadow over pilgrimage, with Himalayan temples opening several months late for devotees and imposing restrictions such as a daily limit on the number of pilgrims allowed to visit.
The limitations have now been lifted, and officials expect a significant increase in pilgrim footfall at Himalayan sites during this season’s yatra, according to officials.
In 2021, around five lakh pilgrims attended Char Dham despite the restrictions.
However, before the Covid epidemic in 2019, the number had surpassed 10 lakh. Dhami, who met with Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj, Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti president Ajendra Ajay, and other senior officials to review the yatra preparations, said that a large number of pilgrims are expected to visit the Himalayan temples this year and that the arrangements should be made accordingly.
He requested that the PWD secretary inspect the state of the roads leading to the shrines and make all necessary provisions for pilgrims along the way.
Heavy machinery should be placed on standby in case of a blockade or other disturbance, he advised.
He suggested that the best use of technology for pilgrimage management be made, such as the deployment of drones for traffic management during the yatra and the issuance of a toll-free number for pilgrims to provide them with all necessary information about the trip.
He stated that because a high number of pilgrims are expected this year, there should be no pandemonium or mismanagement.
The pilgrims should also be registered, and ample parking should be provided along the roads, according to Dhami.
The chief minister also requested that officials guarantee that Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib have access to electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Chief Secretary S S Sandhu and DGP Ashok Kumar were also present at the review meeting.
Airlines may move flights to Navi Mumbai International Airport from summer 2027 as Mumbai airport prepares for Terminal 1 redevelopment.
The Shift
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has asked 12 international airlines to temporarily shift their flight operations to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) from the summer schedule of 2027.
The move comes as Mumbai airport prepares for the redevelopment of Terminal 1, which will affect its existing flight-handling capacity. Out of 50 international airlines that requested flight slots for the summer schedule, the airport has allocated slots to 38 airlines. The remaining 12 have been asked to consider operating from Navi Mumbai.
The affected airlines operate flights to 14 international destinations, including Bahrain, Dammam, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Muscat, Riyadh, Sharjah, Kathmandu and Dhaka.
According to reports, the proposed shift could affect around five million passengers annually, while nearly 91% of Mumbai airport’s existing passenger traffic will remain unaffected. The Terminal 1 redevelopment project is expected to increase its annual passenger-handling capacity from 15 million to 20 million. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and is targeted for completion by March 2029.
Mumbai airport has assured airlines that their existing flight slots will be restored after the redevelopment work is completed. The move is aimed at distributing flight operations between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports while maintaining smooth passenger services during the construction period.
Residents can report noise pollution, illegal firecracker sales and violations of permitted bursting hours through ward-wise and toll-free helplines.
The Helplines
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has introduced a special complaint system to address noise and air pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali. The civic body has announced separate helpline numbers for all eight administrative wards, along with two toll-free numbers for residents to register complaints.
The facility covers Belapur, Nerul, Vashi, Turbhe, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli, Airoli and Digha. Residents can report loud firecrackers, illegal sales and violations of pollution control guidelines.
As per the Bombay High Court’s directions issued on October 15, 2026, firecrackers are permitted only between 7 pm and 10 pm. Crackers producing noise above 125 decibels are prohibited. Firecrackers containing harmful chemicals such as barium, lithium, arsenic, lead and mercury are also banned.
The NMMC has urged citizens to follow the prescribed timings and avoid excessive use of firecrackers, highlighting the health risks associated with rising air and noise pollution during the festive season.
Residents can contact the following numbers for complaints:
- Belapur: 8976954881
- Nerul: 8976954882
- Turbhe: 8976954883
- Vashi: 8976954884
- Koparkhairane: 8976954885
- Ghansoli: 8976954886
- Airoli: 8976954887
- Digha: 8976954889
Toll-free helplines: 1800222309 / 1800222310
NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde has appealed to residents to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali and help keep the city pollution-free.
Residents question the driver over littering in public, prompting him to clean the stain; video of the incident goes viral on social media.
The Gutkha
A cab driver was confronted by a woman resident for allegedly spitting gutkha on Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing the driver eventually cleaning the spot after being questioned by residents.
The incident reportedly took place when a woman noticed the driver spitting gutkha on the road near his vehicle. She questioned him and asked him to clean the area. However, the driver initially denied the allegation and refused to take responsibility.
The argument intensified when two security guards joined the discussion and questioned the driver. The woman also pointed out that spitting in public places is punishable and can attract fines.
After initially refusing, the driver eventually poured water from a bottle and cleaned the gutkha stain from the road.
The video, shared on social media by Richa Sameet, has triggered discussions about civic sense and the responsibility of citizens to maintain cleanliness in public spaces.
The incident has also highlighted the problem of people spitting tobacco and gutkha on roads and other public places, despite rules against such practices. Residents have stressed the need for greater public awareness and responsible behaviour to keep Navi Mumbai clean.
Mumbai Airport Asks 12 International Airlines to Shift Operations to Navi Mumbai
NMMC Sets Up Special Helplines for Diwali Firecracker Pollution Complaints
Cab Driver Confronted for Allegedly Spitting Gutkha on Palm Beach Road
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