Mumbai Awakening

2011-09-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

India Against Corruption

1. Introduce state-funding as part of election reforms:

The high cost of elections and candidates' dependence on money, often of questionable provenance, compromises them from the very outset. Once beholden to moneybags, they are under obligation to return the favour if they win. Of course, not all candidates can be funded by the state. So, we suggest that only candidates belonging to national parties receive election money from the state. In this too we can pare down eligibility by regions. For instance, the CPM might be a "national party" but its influence is largely limited to Bengal, Kerala and Tripura. Its candidates getting funding in any other state should depend on its performance in that state in the previous election. By the same token, state parties must get funding in their specific states, like the BSP in UP or the BJD in Orissa.

2. A reasonable and transparent tax structure, backed by clean and clear enforcement:

Our direct taxes (personal income and corporate) are no longer unreasonable, so there's little excuse for trying to evade them. But there is an unhealthy trend in piling on surcharges on various pretexts. Also, there are tons of other taxes that can add up to quite a bit. Finally, there's the larger question of how efficiently and honestly taxpayers' money is put to use - when you see the state of government hospitals and schools, and rotten roads, you wonder where the money you paid as tax has gone

3. Liberal and contemporary laws that citizens can understand and respect:

People find it difficult to accept ridiculous, outdated and moralistic laws - worse, they may not even be aware of some of these laws till some law enforcer somewhere decides to use them to harass and to extract money. Once you dismiss a law or rule as stupid and worthy of breaking (like not allowing drinking under 25 years of age), there's a human tendency to take other laws less seriously. Therefore, to the extent possible, there's a need to cut back on the multiplicity of unnecessary and complex laws, and zero in on just the ones that are needed to ensure a fair, equitable and just system. These should then be administered without fear or favour.

4. Reduce the role of the state in people's lives to the absolutely essential:

In some ways, this is related to our earlier point. The greater the scope for state interference - be it the police or the clerk in a government office or the customs inspector - the greater the scope for harassment and graft.

5. Genuine autonomy for the public/government sector:

Big PSUs - think Air India, for instance - place huge contracts. Even a fraction of that is huge money in absolute terms. There is always a temptation for political bosses to exert their influence and swing the contract for chosen ones and receive handsome kickbacks. So get them out of the day-to-day functioning of these PSUs.

6. Minimize discretionary powers of ministers and bureaucrats:

This would reduce scope for misuse of such powers to favour some -->

7. Pay government and PSU officers, judges and policemen market-indexed salaries commensurate with their responsibility:

This would minimize the 'need' for bribes. Their salaries could be benchmarked against corporate sector salaries. But higher salaries should be combined with exemplary punishment, including dismissal from service and a police case if an employee is caught indulging in corrupt practices. Mere transfer or suspension won't do.

8. Introduce sweeping police reforms and stronger judicial accountability:

This has been discussed for decades but there's been no action. The recommendations for reforms are already there. Set a time frame for implementation. This will make the police not just a professional force that's not at the beck and call of politicians, but also a trained one with in-built checks against developing vested interests. Today the situation often is that the investigator (police officer) is answerable to the person being investigated (politician). Also, separate the police into two wings: one for investigation and the other for maintaining law and order. The two functions are different and require different skill sets. Sadly, the image of the judiciary has taken a knock in recent years - for the common man, the courts are the last resort for seeking justice.

9. Blacklist corrupt businessmen:

Private businesses caught indulging in corrupt practices or bribing officials should be blacklisted for, say, 10 years and be barred from government projects. In the category of corrupt practices would fall use of shoddy material -- like road contractors who give one inch of tar when they are supposed to give four inches and the road crumbles after one monsoon. Bigger instances of private businesses cutting corners in public projects by colluding with corrupt officials should attract exemplary punishment.

10. Transparency and stricter scrutiny of government tenders/orders, including auction/sale of public-owned assets:

Hundreds of thousands of crores of orders are placed every year by government departments, PSUs, municipal corporations and the like. Its common knowledge that tenders are often awarded on considerations other than merit. This is one of the biggest sources of corruption in the country. And don't forget, this is taxpayers' money that is being diverted illegally.

Finally, and this is for every one of us, let's try and say no to bribes. This is the right moment to unleash a national campaign against giving bribes as the mood against corruption is high. Ultimately, we can't get rid of the bribe taker if we are willing to be bribe givers.

Corruption related complaints including audio, video clips can be lodged at VIGEYE portal on the CVC website http://cvc.nic.in

Matheran- A must visit

2011-07-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

I recently had a visit to Matheran with my friends and that’s when I found Matheran to be one of the most beautiful places around Mumbai. This place is a must visit to everyone visiting Mumbai and also for every Mumbaikar.

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850. The British developed Matheran as a popular tourist resort.

At an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) above sea level Matheran is a hill station located about 100 km from Mumbai. Matheran literally means jungle on top.

You can park your vehicles at Dasturi naka and move forward on Horseback, by man-pulled rickshaw, or on foot as vehicles are not allowed.

Old British-style architecture has been preserved in Matheran and most structures are now heritage structures. Matheran has been declared an eco sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry (GoI).

Matheran has been declared an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, (MoEF) Government of India. It is one of the only few places in the world where all vehicles are banned which makes the place unique. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no cars.

With vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of visitors that come visiting through the year. There are a lot of lookout ''points'' that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover. Being a hill station it is pleasant almost throughout the year though the nights can get a bit chilly.

Matheran is a visual beauty post monsoons with lush greenery, waterfalls and the lake full with water.From the above you can tell that Matheran is just the perfect place to find peace away from the city where you can relax, enjoy the serene nature all around and switch off from the outside world.

Important sites to visit

The market is the area where the bulk of the activity is. You get good quality Shoes, Slippers, Sandals and other leather goods at good bargains here.

You also get various flavors of Chikki, local honey, fudge's (Chocolate and fruit flavours etc.) ice gola's and various drinks. In the center of the market is a garden.

The following is a list of some major places of interest -

Mount Berry
Echo Point
Panorama Point (Sunrise Point)
Porcupine Point (Sunset Point)
Monkey Point
Hart point
Rambaug Point
Alexandria Point
Malet Spring
One Tree Hill Point
Belvedere Pt
Olympia Race Course
Lords Pt
Charlotte Lake
Cecil Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)
Khandala Pt
Madhavji Garden & Point
Louisa Point
Mayor Pt

Ways to reach:

Mumbai to Matheran

From Mumbai you need to go to Navi Mumbai and from there towards Panvel. You get on to the Mumbai Pune Expressway at Panvel. 8 km ahead you exit at the Shedung/ Khopoli turnoff and get onto the old Bombay Poona road. After some time there will be a turnoff on your left, at a place called Chowk where a big green sign over the road asks you to turn left for Matheran. From then on there are regular road signs to guide you. From Chowk to Karjat rail crossing is 9 km, then 12 km to Neral at the tip of the hill.

After that the last stretch of the road (About 7 km) is on the ghat which leads you to Dasturi Naka (Last point to which cars are allowed, where there is a car park) at the tip of Matheran.

Pune to Matheran

You need to get onto the Pune Mumbai Expressway at Pune and get off the Pune Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit after passing Lonavala/ Khandala and get onto the old Poona Bombay road. Approximately 18 km later, you turn right at a place called Chowk where a big green sign over the road asks you to turn right for Matheran. From then on there are regular road signs to guide you. From Chowk to Karjat rail crossing is 9 km, then 12 km to Neral at the tip of the hill.

After that the last stretch of the road (About 7 km) is on the ghat which leads you to Dasturi Naka (Last point to which cars are allowed, where there is a car park) at the tip of Matheran.

for more pics click here.

More pics on matheran

2011-07-22T02:12:00.001-07:00

Water Conservation through Nagpuri Weirs

2011-06-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

Water Conservation through Nagpuri Weirs (An Innovative Scheme bv Zilla Parishad - Nagpur) Nagpuri Weir is an innovative Minor Irrigation Structure made of empty polythene cement bags filled with mixture of sand and soil with pasting of black cotton soil in between. The idea has been originally conceived by NGO 'Vanrai' but successfully implemented by the Zilla Parishad, Nagpur.

Here is the success story of this innovative experiment. Nagpuri Weir is a Low cost structure of which minimum cost is Rs.500/- Technology used is very simple and users friendly. Rainwater in smaller streams surrounding any village can be checked if we have a series of such weirs in the stream bed. Construction of such weir requires empty cement bags and the remaining material is available on the banks of the stream. A weir of 8 meter width requires 177 empty cement bags of which cost coupled with the mandays is not more than Rs.781/- The most important features of this structure is that the material is locally available and people themselves can construct it without any technical know-how.

Average rainfall of Nagpur district is 1000 mm. But 30 to 40% of the rainwater drains away un-utilized. There is large number of Minor Irrigation structures like K.T. weirs, storage tanks, "malgujari" tanks in Nagpur district. But maintenance of these structures is a herculean Task in itself and they hardly serve their original purpose. Therefore, Zilla Parishad, Nagpur decided to experiment with still lower cost and more people oriented structures for conservation of rainwater. They took up to Nagpur weir ( Originally known as Vanrai Bandhara) as the major activity during watershed week to be celebrated from October 1 to 7, 2001. Generally, water conservation activities are looked after by State Agriculture Department. But Government of Maharashtra decided to involve Zilla Parishads Block level machinery such as Deputy Engineers (Ml), BDO's, Agriculture Officers, Village Officers etc. in the programme. They were to be guided initially by State Agriculture Department Officers.

A workshop was arranged to that effect on 18th September 2001 and the concept of a cement bag weir was explained in detail. It was decided to have at least 10 such weirs in each of all 13 blocks during watershed week. There was no financial provision for that. It was to be implemented as peoples programme. NGO Vanrai responded positively to our enthusiasm and offered empty cement bags which were required. Initially tanker-fed villages were selected for this activity. Later on other villages also participated. People and school children came forward for "Shramdan." At many places Panchayat Samiti Officers themselves made Shramdan and constructed such weir. Vanrai provided more than 1 lack cement bags and remaining were collected by village panchayats.

As a result, from October 1st to December 31st 2001about 425 Nagpuri weirs were constructed in 310 villages without spending any Government money. Total rainwater stored by these weirs was 700 TCM for which, otherwise we would have required to construct almost 35 cement weirs and spent not less than Rs. 70 lakh. As it is a low cost and less time consuming structure Government of Maharashtra would take more Nagpuri weirs in lesser time period in a scattered area. More than 300 villages out of total 1600 villages in Nagpur district are benefitted by this experiment. Water level of the nearby Irrigation as well as water supply wells has increased. Farmers could take rabbi crops through direct irrigation from the weirs. In some of the Nagpuri weirs local fishermen started fishing activity.

Success stories are always made by sheer hard work, systematic efforts and team work. Nagpuri weirs is one such success stories which is made because of wonderful coordination among various wings of Zilla Parishad Nagpur, spontaneous response from the people, their participation in the form of money and labour, involvement of NGO's and supervision and motivation by higher officials.

Government Of Maharashtra has taken due notice of this experiment and taken it up as their regular activity. I hope that this success story will be repeated in all other districts of Maharashtra this year as the monsoons are here.

ConserveEnergy

2010-02-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

Conserve Energy

One thing that has been really frustrating me for the past few days is the rising electricity bills, although the usage is almost the same. We all as humans tend to get all the luxuries in life but forget that getting those luxuries also takes us one step closer to self destruction. I myself was not energy conserving but 2 days earlier in Ghatkopar (west)Mumbai, I found the whole street lit up in the afternoon and I thought that, 'there are people who are facing problems on load shedding and here the street is lit up when not needed. I've decided to save the smallest amount of energy as possible to safe guard our own future.

The Government of India set up Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on 1st March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy. This will be achieved with active participation of all stakeholders, resulting in accelerated and sustained adoption of energy efficiency in all sectors.

Role of BEE

BEE co-ordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations and recognize, identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act. The Energy Conservation Act provides for regulatory and promotional functions.

Regulatory

The Major Regulatory Functions of BEE include:

>>Develop minimum energy performance standards and labeling design for equipment and appliances.

>>Develop specific Energy Conservation Building Codes.

>>Activities focusing on designated consumers.

>>Develop specific energy consumption norms.

>>Certify Energy Managers and Energy Auditors.

>>Accredit Energy Auditors.

>>Define the manner and periodicity of mandatory energy audits.

>>Develop reporting formats on energy consumption and action taken on the recommendations of the energy auditors.

Promotional

The Major Promotional Functions of BEE include:

>>Create awareness and disseminate information on energy efficiency and conservation.

>>Arrange and organize training of personnel and specialists in the techniques for efficient use of energy and its conservation.

>>Strengthen consultancy services in the field of energy conservation.

>>Promote research and development

>>Develop testing and certification procedures and promote testing facilities

>>Formulate and facilitate implementation of pilot projects and demonstration projects

>>Promote use of energy efficient processes, equipment, devices and systems

>>Take steps to encourage preferential treatment for use of energy efficient equipment or appliances

>>Promote innovative financing of energy efficiency projects

>>Give financial assistance to institutions for promoting efficient use of energy and its conservation

>>Prepare educational curriculum on efficient use of energy and its conservation

>>Implement international co-operation programs relating to efficient use of energy and its conservation

#How can we save energy in our day to day life?

>>Turn off lights when not in use

>>Clean the dust accumulated on tube lights and bulbs and its fixtures regularly.

>>Use ISI marked electrical appliances and equipments

>>Place your tube lights and bulbs in positions where the light is not obstructed.

>>Use CFLs to save energy

#Why CFLs?

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use about two-thirds less energy than incandescent bulbs with no reduction in quality of light. Compact fluorescent bulbs will give an incandescent bulb's warm, soft light, while using up to 75 percent less electricity

CFLs are slightly costlier but are worth investing as they are smaller, cheaper, brighter, and offer improved color quality. Typically, a 23-watt compact fluorescent bulb can replace a 90- or 100-watt incandescent bulb

Use compact fluorescent bulbs in fixtures that are on for more than four hours a day. By replacing only two 75 Watt light bulbs that are on four hours a day by two 15 watt energy-saving lamps, you can save almost 18 Kilo Watt hours per year.

Less Energy More Light

#While Cooking

>>Use energy efficient chulas

>>Keeping the vessels closed with a lid while cooking reduces cooking time and energy use.

>>Soak the food ahead of cooking.

#During agricultural activities

Irrigation

Pumping out water

There is a potential of about 25% to 35% improvement in the efficiency of these pump sets by affecting minor/major rectification and shifting to ISI marked pumps.

>>The larger valve helps to save electricity / diesel because less fuel and power is needed to draw water from the well.

>>The fewer the no. of bends and fittings in a pipe, more the electricity saves.

>>Sharp bends in the pipe leads 70 % more frictional loss than standard bends.

>>A farmer can save 15 liters of diesel every month simply by reducing the pipe height by 2 m. The pump works more efficiently when it is not more than 10 feet above the water level of the well.

>>Use good quality PVC suction pipe to save energy and save electricity up to 20 %.

>>Apply oil and grease to pump set regularly as recommended by the manufacture.

>>To improve the power factor and voltage use ISI marked shunt capacitor of right capacity with motor. This will also save the electricity.

>>Switch off the light of well in the day time.

#While using google

If we are little bit conscious about energy savings and keep proper vigil on this with discipline than we will save a lot through n number of resources which consume energy. In Continuous with the same follow up if we use www.googleblacksearch.com for day to day search on the web, than it will save lots of energy which can be reused in other required places.

www.GoogleBlackSearch.com is powered by Google Custom Search since this is same as google so you will loose nothing but at the same time you save lots of energy.

Benefits by using www.GoogleBlackSearch.com (Energy Saving Search Engine) are as follows :

>>Saves lots of energy as a black screen uses less energy than a bright white one.

>>Less stress on your eyes when you are working for long time. So it save you eye too.

So start using www.GoogleBlackSearch.com (Energy Saving Search Engine) and start saving energy every time you search on the Internet.

Stop use of Plastic

2009-10-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Stop Use of Plastic

An incident at a shopping mall inspired me to write this post.
I had been to a shopping mall in Powai where I was standing in line at the pay counter to pay for the stuff I had taken. An elderly woman was standing right in front of me and was checking her stuff at the counter, the receptionist at the counter filled her belongings in 3 plastic bags and gave it to her. The women refused to take the plastic bags and gave her cloth bags and asked the receptionist to put her belongings in those bags. Seeing those cloth bags I was so amazed and happy that I actually thanked her for using such cloth bags and since I had little stuff to carry I asked the receptionist to arrange me a paper bag instead of the plastic one, which she did.

Mumbai produces 7,800 tons of garbage daily - 40 tons of which is plastic.
Our city being near to the coastline all our sewage goes into the nearby Arabian Sea.
The plastic reaching the sea has catastrophic effect on the marine life.
Different species of sea life including whales, dolphins, seals and turtles die due to plastic bags.
They die after ingesting plastic bags which they mistake for food. The fish sometimes do not die but get poisoned and when such fish comes to the local market the person consuming such fish suffers from food poison.
In large number of cases it sadly results to death.

In today's competitive market there has been a rise in the number of malls and more consumers are switching over to malls and fresh food chains for household shopping which has led to drastically high use of plastic bags. The plastic bags is banned under the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 (amended 2003-2006), and various state rules.
Thick bags also have their own set of problems as thick plastic bags are the most difficult to degrade.It cost more to recycle a bag than to produce a new one.

Since plastic is not degradable it collects on the dumping grounds resulting in wastage of land as the ground cannot be further used for other activity.Use of plastic is not only bad for our city but is an global issue. Countries all over the world have have taken steps to reduce use of plastics by either banning or taxing use of plastic.Bangladesh has banned plastic bags, Ireland took the lead in Europe, taxing plastic bags in 2002. In 2005 Rwanda banned plastic bags and has now reduced plastic bag consumption by 90%.

It is our responsibility as learned citizens of our country to limit the use of plastic bags as far as possible. We should ourselves not use such plastic bags and encourage our near ones to stop use of these bags.

Things we can do as responsible citizens of our country:

>> Do not use plastic bags at all and encourage our near ones to stop the use of plastic bags.

>> Retailers do not pay attention to eco-friendly aspects. Consumer education is missing. So if you do not ask for plastic bags they will not give you one. And if they give you one, refuse it and tell them that there is a fine and it is banned!

>> We should carry our own bags before going to the market or for shopping.

>> If you happen to see plastic bags lying around dispose them off in the bins which will be hopefully segregated later and not end up in the rivers or choke the drainage system.

>> If you are a retailer you can also set up state-of-the- art recycling centres.

>> Big Shopping complexes where the maximum reach can be aimed at; paper, jute, even cloth bags and other materials which are biodegradable can be promoted.

>> Encourage students to make and use cloth /paper bags.

Enforcement of the Maharashtra Plastic Carry Bags (Manufacture and Usage) Rules 2006 also comes under the purview of the State Pollution Control Boards, the industries department and the district collector.

Clean Mumbai Green Mumbai

Lets make our city a better place to live in.

Swine influenza Awareness

2009-09-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Swine Influenza Awareness

Lately I was very disturbed by the fact that people are acting so foolishly in response to the lately discovered h1n1 virus.
Swine Flu virus is a serious issue that needs practical precautions to be taken by individual to avoid the epidemic.
I could not understand what the chaos is about, 'Swine Flu' is same as another other flu. Thousands of people die because of malaria, dengue, AIDS and many other deadly diseases but no one pays heed to them.

Writing this post I recollected my friend saying, Hundred people have swine flu and everyone wants to wear a mask, Crores of people have AIDS and no one wants to wear a condom.

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.
Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past observations, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people

>>People in Mumbai are using safety mask which are not N75 swine proof mask which will avoid the virus and increase safety. They purchase general mask from chemist and other stores which are high on sale, selling about 300 times more than the cost.

>>People cover there nose and mouth with handkerchief, and while boarding and getting down of local trains and bus, they touch the side handles and handles at top and other places which can be more dangerous source for swine flu.

>>Upon touching/holding in such public places in train, they use the same unwashed hands and use handkerchief… Now practically chances are more that the handkerchief is affected with h1n1 virus.

>>People wearing handkerchief on mouth/nose, It will just create suffocation friends and is not going to help. Because of this epidemic panic people are ignoring and staying away from people who just yourning and sneezing in general.

>>There are also some fools who upon seeing any person wearing mask, start believing that the person is affected by H1N1 swine flu and just walk at some distance.

The Symptoms of Swine flu are:

Cough, Fatigue, Head and Body Ache, Nausea, Sore Throat, Chills, Diarrhea, Fever and Vomiting.

Precautions that can be taken to avoid the virus and increase safety are as follows:

>>Do not talk more keeping your mouth open in public places you feel is very crowded and lots of pollutions around.

>>Wash Hands Before Touching Any Eatables.

>>Avoid road side junk food and eatables, this helps you avoiding swine flu.

>>Help boost your immune system by some multi vitamins and home remedies and Ayurveda herbs.

>>Drink plenty of water.

>>Get plenty of sleep at least 8 hours a day.

>>Immediately check yourself if you get some symptoms of flu.

>>If you feel weak, take proper rest for a day or two, as lower immune can welcome the flu.

>>If swine flu confirmed, then try isolating yourself from others and keep things like handkerchief and Other basic daily things separate in family.

Please note:
Tamiflu (drug used for treatment of swine flu) should be avoided till swine flu is confirmed, as overdose of drug is known to cause side effects especially with the children below five years of age

Historical Landmarks

2009-07-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Historical Landmarks

810 - Mumbai was under the reigns of the Silhara Kings.

1534 - Sultan of Gujarat gave away Mumbai (Bombay) under pressure of the Portuguese.

1554 - The islands of Mumbai were given to Dr. Garcia da Orta, a physician and Botanist on a yearly rent of 85 Pounds.

1661 - King Charles II of England married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal and the Island of Bombay was given to him in Dowry.

1668 - King Charles leased Mumbai to the East India Co. for ten pounds a year.

1715 - Fortification built around the commercial and administrative buildings and residential areas by the British Governor Boone.

1730 - First Dock Yard was built in Mumbai.

1794 - Presidency General Post Office established.

1805 - Sion Causeway was constructed.

1821 - Town Hall was built.

1823 - Mint was established.

1826 - Colaba Observatory was built.

1838 - Colaba Causeway completed.

1840 - Bank of Mumbai established.

1843 - Establishment of Grant Medical College and J.J. Hospital.

1845 - Grant Medical and J.J. Hospital started.

1853 - First G.I.P. now known as Central Railway opened.

1855 - Initiation of Textile industry.

1857 - Establishment of Bombay(Mumbai) University.

1860 - First water supply drawn from Vihar lake.

1862 - Land Reclamation scheme joins original 7 islands into singal land mass of 170 square miles.

1862 - Victoria garden is opened for public.

1863 - Governor Sir Bartle Frere dismantles fort walls which restrict the cities growth. Extensive public construction begins.

1865 - Municipal Corporation was established.

1867 - The first gas lamp lit in Mumbai.

1869 - The first post office operated in Mumbai.

1869 - Statue of Roman Goddess of Spring installed at Flora Fountain.

1873 - The Bombay Port Trust established.

1874 - Horse-drawn trams were introduced.

1875 - Establishment of Stock Exchange.

1878 - Rajabai Tower built and High Court building completed.

1880 - Pheroz Shah Mehta Gardens Built.

1881 - Malabar Hill Reservior completed.

1882 - Introduction of electric lights, B>E.S.T. taken over by B.M.C

1905 - The Telephone Exchange was opened.

1907 - First electric train from Bombay(Mumbai).

1911 - King George and Queen Mary entered through the Gateway of India.

1914 - Taxi's appeared on the roads of Mumbai.

1914 - Prince of Wales Museum.

1920 - First Airport in India.

1920 - Marine Drive constructed as aresult of reclamation.

1926 - Introduction of B.E.S.T. buses.

1935 - Reserve Bank of India started Business.

1942 - Quit India movement launched.

1945 - Greater Bombay came into being.

1947 - India gains Independence.

1952 - Jahangir Art Gallery and Kamla Nehru Park built.

1957 - Greater Mumbai limits further extended.

1957 - Opening of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

1960 - Bombay State divided into Gujrat and Maharashtra.

1964 - Mumbai was Venus of 38th International Eucharistic Congress, visited by H. H. Pope Paul VI

1971 - International airport at Sahar.

1975 - Bombay Metropolitian Regional Development Authority was introduced by the State Government.

1995 - Bombay renamed as Mumbai.

Consulates General in Mumbai

2009-07-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Consulates General in Mumbai

Here is a list of some consulates in Mumbai along with their addresses.

Afghanistan
115, Walkeshwar Road
Pin: 400 006

Australia
Maker Tower,
'E', 16th Floor,
Cuffe Parade, Colaba
Pin: 400 005

Austria
26, Maker Chamber VI,
Nariman Point
Pin: 400 021

Bahrain
53, Maker Tower 'F'
5th Floor,
Cuffe Parade
Pin: 400 005

Belgium
Morena, 11,
M. L. Dahanukar Marg,
Cumballa Hill
Pin: 400 026

Brazil
406, Sharda Chambers,
33 New Marine Lines
Pin: 400 020

Canada
41/42 Maker Chambers VI,
Jamnalal Bajaj Marg,
Nariman Point
Pin: 400 021

China
Cliff Building,
1st floor,
Dhanukar Marg
Carmicheal Road
Pin: 400 026

Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
Marcopia 5,
G. Deshmukh Marg,
Peddar Road
Pin: 400 026

Denmark
L&T House,
Post Box ##278,
Narottam Morarjee Marg,
Ballard Estate
Pin: 400 001

Egypt
101 Benhur Apartments,
32, N. Dabholkar Road,
Malabar Hill
Pin: 400 006

Finland
40/A, Mewar Building,
Ground floor, Peddar road
Pin: 400 026

France
Datta Prasad,
2nd floor,
N. Gamadia Cross Road,
Peddar road
Pin: 400 026

Germany, Federal Republic
Hoechst House,
10th floor,
Nariman point
Pin: 400 021

Greece
Rallis India Ltd. Compound,
Sarosh Villa Annexe, Suren road,
Andheri (E)
Pin: 400 093

Haitai
Vellard View,
Ground floor,
Peddar road
Pin: 400 026

Iceland
38, Western India House,
Sir P. Mehta Road,
Fort
Pin: 400 001

Indonesia
19, Altamount Road,
Kemp's Corner
Pin: 400 026

Iran
Swapnalok, 1st floor,
L.J. Road,
Nepean Sea Road
Pin: 400 026

Ireland
Royal Bombay Yatch Club Chambers,
C.S. Marg,
Apollo Bunder
Pin: 400 001

Israel
Earnest House,
16th floor,
NCPA Marg,
Nariman Point
Pin: 400 021

Italy
Kanchanjunga,
721, G. Deshmukh Marg,
Peddar road
Pin: 400 026

Japan
1, M.L. Dahanukar Marg,
Cumballa Hill
Pin: 400 026

Korea (South)
Kanchanjunga Building,
9th floor,
72, G. Deshmukh Marg,
Peddar road
Pin: 400 026

Kuwait
Vaswani Mansion,
Ground floor,
120, Dinshaw Vachha Road,
Churchgate
Pin: 400 020

Madagascar
Ismail Building,
3rd floor,
Flora Fountain
Pin: 400 001

Malaysia
Rahimtoola House,
4th floor,
7, Homji Street
Pin: 400 001

Maldives
212-A, Maker Bhavan III,
New Marine Lines
Pin: 400 020

Mauritius
115, Mittal Tower,
C Wing,
11th floor,
Pin: 400 021

Netherlands
International Building,
Marine Lines,
Cross Road 1,
Churchgate
Pin: 400 020

Norway
Nowroji Mansion,
6th floor,
31, Woodhouse Road,
Colaba
Pin: 400 001

Oman
112, Maker Chamber IV,
Nariman Point
Pin: 400 021

Panama
Ras Business Centre,
203/204, Ramnimi,
2nd floor,
8, Mandik Road,
Colaba
Pin: 400 001

General information on Railways

2009-07-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

General Information on Railways

Friends you must be thinking what is this information doing on a Mumbai Awakening site, the purpose of this post is to bring into your notice that the Railway department is providing us with many facilities but we are either unaware or don't use these services. This is very user friendly and you don't have to walk down to a railway station to gather the information.

Here is a list of some useful numbers and sites provided by the Railway Department.

** Quick reservation facility is available i.e.Before 24 Hr. Ticket booking.Photo identity is necessary for this type of reservation.

# # Central Railway

>> Inquiries: 265-9135

>> Reservations (8 a.m. to 8 p.m): 265-6565

>> Trains arrival and departures: 134

>> Train arrival status (South East Zone): 136

>> Train arrival status (North East Zone): 137

>> Online Information: www.centralrailwayonline.com

# # Western Railway

>> Reservations: 135

>> Trains arrivals and departures: 131

>> Train arrival status Delhi/Ahmedabad/Baroda/Surat: 133

>> P.N.R. Inquiry: 137

>> Direct Numbers for P.N.R. :22075959/26705959/23005959/28075959

>> Online Train running information: www.wr.railnet.gov.in
www.westernrailwayindia.com

>> P.N.R. / Berth Inquiry : www.indianrail.gov.in

Please Note: The numbers mentioned here are up to date on the date of publishing. The right to change the numbers is with the Railway Authorities without giving any prior information. I'll try my best to keep you updated with the numbers.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum

2009-07-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Bhau Daji Lad Museum formerly known as Victoria & Albert Museum is the oldest museum in Mumbai built in 1872. This is the place where you can find great archaeological relics, maps and photographs that relate directly to Mumbai's history. The idea of building the museum at Byculla was proposed by Victoria gardens and the Museums committee.The Committee members of the Museum Dr. Bhau Daji Lad and Jagannath Shankarseth wanted to build it as a mark of respect to Queen Victoria.

It was originally named as 'Victoria Museum' and after the demise of her husband, the name Albert was added to it. In 1973 it was finally named after Dr. Bhau Daji Lad. The museum is a rich repository of some the most valuable articles relating to Industrial and Agricultural interest.

Among the cherished collections worth a peek are clay models, costumes, finely wrought silver and copper ware etc. You can also find different types of metal lamps, bidri and lac work, porcelain art, sandal and ivory art, arms and ammunition from the 16th century. The museum has some of the rare photographs of old Bombay and evidences from colonial past of India.

You could plan a visit to the museum on any day from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, except on important public holidays when it is closed.

Please Note: Wednesday Closed

Travellers' Tips

2009-07-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Travellers' Tips

Traveling to Mumbai with proper preparation and basic about the city will help you feel comfortable in the city. Learning a few lines in the regional language will help a lot.

>> Keeping traveler's cheques rather than cash while moving around. You can easily exchange these cheques at various money exchanger.

>> Do not carry your important documents and valuables all the time rather submit them at the counter of your hotel.

>> Always keep your personal belongings with yourself.

>> Don't get into any prohibited stuff like drugs, ammunition etc, as it is a crime and the culpable will be treated severely.

>> Keep the phone number of 2 to 3 police stations near place of your stay.

>> Wear light coloured clothes during the period of March to September as the temperature during this period is usually around 30degrees.

>> Remove your shoes outside while visiting temples and mosques.

>> Be careful while swimming, as in Mumbai the waters in Mumbai have a strong under current.

>> Outside Mumbai electricity tends to fluctuate, any sensitive equipment should be plugged in through a voltage stabilizer.

Important Numbers of Ward Offices

2009-07-13T06:57:00.001-07:00

Important Numbers of Ward Offices

Here is a list of some ward office numbers:

Ward	Nos.
A Ward	266-1353 / 266-0107 / 266-0339
B Ward	374-6790 to 374-6798
C Ward	201-4022 / 201-4077 / 201-4013
D Ward	387-9949 / 387-9572
E Ward	308-1471 to 308-1479
F(South) Ward	413-4560 to 413-4565
F (North) Ward	402-4353
G (South) Ward	430-9890 / 430-5031 / 422-3741
G (North) Ward	430-7276
H (West) Ward	642-2311 / 642-2314 / 642-2225
H (East) Ward	612-7292 / 612-7293 / 612-2592
K (West) Ward	623-6163
K (East) Ward	836-7102 to 836-7104
L Ward	511-5103 / 511-5104 / 514-3057
M (East) Ward	558-0795 / 556-1929
M (West) Ward	556-1900 / 556-1994 / 556-1974
N Ward	511-5130 to 511-5135
P (South) Ward	872-2244
P (North) Ward	882-4913
R (South) Ward	805-4784
R (North) Ward	801-0341
S Ward	564-1220 to 564-1224
T Ward	564-5289 / 564-5291

Please note:
The numbers given are accurate on the date of publishing. If found to be wrong or not existing please bring to the authors notice.

Contact Me

2009-07-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

Hi friends if you wish to contact me on any issue regarding my blogs or want to suggest me about something or want to send me some information that you would like me to publish with your name please mail me to fx_aky_es@yahoo.co.in or fx.aky.es@gmail.com.

I promise you that I will surely work on the information and try to provide you the best of the information I have as soon as possible.

You can also look for me on Orkut by clicking here.

Juhu Beach

2009-07-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai city situated on the shores of Arabian Sea in Juhu suburb at a distance of 18km from downtown Mumbai. The beach has a stretches of silver sand along 5km.

Many tourists visit the beach when they come to Mumbai, as it is a relatively uncrowded free space in the city, although it does get crowded in the evenings and weekends. Street food like bhelpuri, pani puri, chaats, and pav bhaji is very famous here.

There are three main entrances to the beach. One is from Vile Parle, another is from the Santacruz and the third is from the Andheri side.

At the north end of Juhu Beach there is a place called Gandhi Gram. Mahatma Gandhi used to live there when he practiced in the Bombay high court in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

During the summer vacations, children often go and play games such as Cricket, football , Basketball at the Juhu Beach.The beach activity is fun horse rides, miniatures ferris wheel, entertainers from acrobats to performing and ballon shooting galleries.

Please note:Please be careful while swimming in the sea as there is a strong under current

Nearest Railway station is Santacruz on Western Railway

Buses to reach are:182, 231, 253.

Features and challenges in BWSL

2009-07-01T09:39:00.001-07:00

Features:

>>An 8-lane bridge with 2 lanes dedicated for buses.

>>Unique bridge design for the Link Bridge to emerge as a landmark structure in the city of Mumbai.

>>Single tower supported 500 metre long cable-stayed bridge at Bandra Channel and twin tower supported 350 m cable-stayed bridge at Worli Channel for each carriageway.

>>Modern toll plaza of 16 lanes with automated toll collection system.

>>An intelligent bridge with state-of-the-art systems for traffic monitoring, surveillance, information and guidance, instrumentation, emergency support, etc.

>>Development of promenade and landscaping to enhance the environment.

Challenges:

>>Effective traffic management system after the end of the bridge as a signal is supposed to come up at a T-junction in a residential area. Also once traffic is offloaded off the bridge it moves onto a 6 lane road however, two lanes of this road go towards car parking as several buildings on the road do not have the provision for cars to be parked.

>>The Bridge opens out in front of a school which has students coming in at 8:00am and 11:00am (Peak Traffic Time), no provisions have been made for it.

>>A party hall is also just about 100 meters from the end of the bridge along Worli Sea Face Road which does not have an underground car park or entrance within the building as a result traffic is forced onto the main road which makes just about 2 lanes for travel possible at lunch time and the entire night after 7pm.

>>Worli Sea Face also offloads onto a road where a overpass had been built originally for the old plan of the bridge to move traffic but now it will create a huge problem as the cars must move below it where only 4 lanes are available. Also on either side of this road, there is a temple (Markandeshwar Mandir) and a shopping mall (Atria Shopping Mall). So the question of eased off traffic is totally nonexistent.

>>The toll for using the bridge is currently expected to be around Rs 50 (~$1) for each one way trip for four wheelers and no monthly passes will be issued. This makes it very expensive to use for any normal citizen. there will be no waiver off for taxis or buses either.

>>As a result of constant change of plans and other delays the cost of the bridge has risen 6 fold from Rs.300 Crore to Rs.1800 Crore. The amount of time to recover this cost would be at least 10 years.

>>It has also caused inconvenience to the residents of Worli Sea Face. The calm and quiet of this formerly traffic free area will be destroyed.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

Bandra Worli Sea Link

2009-07-01T09:38:00.001-07:00

Bandra Worli Sea Link

Only one of its kind in India the Bandra Worli Sea Link is an 8-lane, cable-stayed bridge which is the first phase of the proposed West Island Freeway system. The sea link will connect Bandra and the western suburbs of Mumbai with Worli and central Mumbai. The Hindustan Construction Company executed this Rs.1600 crore project of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The Designs and Project management is done by M/s DAR Consultants. The foundation stone of this link was laid by Bal Thackeray in 1999. The sea link was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi on 30th June 2009 and is named after Rajiv Gandhi.

The original project design was modified to include 2 separate towers for the main cable stay bridge as to increase the height of the link. The bridge was realigned around 150m into the sea and an additional cable stay bridge was introduced at the Worli side to increase the height of the bridge to meet the demands of local fishermen of Worli Koliwada as this would ease their vessel movement under the bridge. These change in the scope of work resulted in the delayed in the initial stages, which increased project cost.

The Bandra Cable Stay section of the Sea link spans 600m in length and towers to a height of 126m. The Cable Stay system comprises 2,250 km of high strength galvanized steel wires which support the Cable Stay Bridge weighing 20,000 ton. Each cable has a capacity to carry 90tonnes.Rs. 9 Crore alone is the cost of illuminating the bridge. It took 38000 KM Long Steel Ropes, 575000 tonnes of Concrete & 6000 Workers to build this massive structure. The total length of the sea link is 5.6km.

The Sea Link enables speedy travel between Bandra and Worli, cutting travel times from 45–60 minutes to 25 minutes. The old route through Mahim causeway was not only conjusted with traffic but a person had to face 24 signals on the way as it was the only route that connected the western suburbs and central mumbai.

An automatic system is been implanted which will identify vehicles going over the 50 kmph limit.Hi-tech cameras on the link can take swift 360-degree turn and capture images of vehicles within 1.5 km. range. 12 cameras will be monitored by MSRDC, traffic police and city police. Link will be under the jurisdiction of Bandra and Worli police stations. Policemen on bikes will patrol along the bridge and will help traffic police to pull over errant drivers. Two cameras are fitted under the cable-stayed portions of the link which will keep an eye on the movements of boats and ships.

Access will be controlled on the Worli end by toll plazas on the Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, and on the Bandra end by toll plazas at Love Grove Junction.

THE TOLL

FREE: From July 1 to July 5

BASIC FEE:
>>Car or SUV Rs 50

>>Mini bus or mini truck Rs 75

>>Bus or truck Rs 100

PASSES:
>>Daily travel: (2-way ) 1.5 times basic toll

>>Daily travel: (multiple entries) 2.5 times basic toll

>>Monthly pass: 50 times basic toll (all vehicles)

Note: Buses will be charged Re 1 extra for each commuter ticket

PAYMENT MODES:

>>Manual payment: 30 seconds

>>Swipe card (for monthly passes): 20 seconds

>>On-board-unit electronic payment: 10 to 12 seconds

To read the features and challenges faced by the sea link click here

Watch this awesome video on inauguration of Bandra-Worli sea link .

Stop Child Labour

2009-06-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

Stop Child Labour

How would you feel if were asked to do rigorous work for 8-12 hours and treated like a slave?
This is the condition of many Children in India. Those tiny hands work hours and hours just for a one time meal. These children get forced to work not just for them selves but for their younger parts too. A 12 year old boy working at a construction site to feed his younger sister of just 5 years!!! How does that feel to you? It is a shame on our part that we home the largest population of child laborers. It is a normal site for us to see children working in a hotel cleaning desks or children begging at a traffic signal.

I feel it is totally due to our selfishness and lack of awareness that these children fall prey to such malpractices.

These children should be sent to schools and the Government of India is working hard for these children. The Government of India has made previlages to such children like free schooling, taking care of their nutrition etc.

This is a kind Request to all my friends and the people of our country to help this children. It just takes a few minutes all you have to do is go to the nearest police station and just file a complaint. Inform the police about the place of such occurrence. I'm sure this will not take much of your time.

The Ministry of Labour has already had earlier issued a notification giving three-month mandatory notice. So anybody found guilty will be liable to prosecution and penal action.

Where to complaint?

#Reach to the nearest police station and file a complaint against such malpractice

#Call on 1098(Dus Nau Aath) a toll free 24hour telephone helpline.

#Visit http://labour.nic.in

If you are interested to know the full act please click here

Child labour Act

2009-06-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

The whole article is stated as follows.

THE CHILD LABOUR (PROHIBITION AND REGULATION) ACT, 1986 ACT NO. 61 OF 1986 [23rd December, 1986.] An Act to prohibit the engagement of children in certain employments and to regulate the conditions of work of children in certain other employments. BE it enacted by Parliament in the Thirty-seventh Year of the Republic of India as follows:-- PART PRELIMINARY PART I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title, extent and commencement. 1. Short title, extent and commencement. (1) This Act may be called the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. (2) It extends to the whole of India. (3) The provisions of this Act, other than Part III, shall come into force at once, and Part III shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, and different dates may be appointed for different States and for different classes of establishments. 2. Definitions. 2. Definitions. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-- (i) "appropriate Government" means, in relation to an establishment under the control of the Central Government or a railway administration or a major port or a mine or oilfield, the Central Government, and in all other cases, the State Government; (ii) "child" means a person who has not completed his fourteenth year of age; (iii) "day" means a period of twenty-four hours beginning at mid-night; (iv) "establishment" includes a shop, commercial establishment, workshop, farm, residential hotel, restaurant, eating house, theatre or other place of public amusement or entertainment; 1247 (v) "family", in relation to an occupier, means the individual, the wife or husband, as the case may be, of such individual, and their children, brother or sister of such individual; (vi) "occupier", in relation to an establishment or a workshop, means the person who has the ultimate control over the affairs of the establishment or workshop; (vii) "port authority" means any authority administering a port; (viii) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under section 18; (ix) "week" means a period of seven days beginning at midnight on Saturday night or such other night as may be approved in writing for a particular area by the Inspector; (x) "workshop" means any premises (including the precincts thereof) wherein any indusrial process is carried on, but does not include any premises to which the provisions of section 67 of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), for the time being, apply. PART PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS ANDPROCESSES PART II PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN IN CERTAIN OCCUPATIONS AND PROCESSES 3. Prohibition of employment of children in certain occupations andprocesses. 3. Prohibition of employment of children in certain occupations and processes. No child shall be employed or permitted to work in any of the occupations set forth in Part A of the Schedule or in any workshop wherein any of the processes set forth in Part B of the Schedule is carried on: Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any workshop wherein any process is carried on by the occupier with the aid of his family or to any school established by, or receiving assistance or recognition from, Government. 4. Power to amend the Schedule. 4. Power to amend the Schedule. The Central Government, after giving by notification in the Official Gazette, not less than three months notice of its intention so to do, may, by like notification, add any occupation or process to the Schedule and thereupon the Schedule shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. 5. Child Labour Technical Advisory Committee. 5. Child Labour Technical Advisory Committee. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute an advisory committee to be called the Child Labour Technical Advisory Committee (hereafter in this section referred to as the Committee) to advise the Central Government for the purpose of addition of occupations and processes to the Schedule. (2) The Committee shall consist of a Chairman and such other members not exceeding ten, as may be appointed by the Central Government. 1248 (3) The Committee shall meet as often as it may consider necessary and shall have power to regulate its own procedure. (4) The Committee may, if it deems it necessary so to do, constitute one or more sub-committees and may appoint to any such sub- committee, whether generally or for the consideration of any particular matter, any person who is not a member of the Committee. (5) The term of office, of the manner of filling casual vacancies in the office of, and the allowances, if any, payable to, the Chairman and other members of the Committee, and the conditions and restrictions subject to which the Committee may appoint any person who is not a member of the Committee as a member of any of its sub- committees shall be such as may be prescribed. PART REGULATION OF CONDITIONS OF WORK OF CHILDREN PART III REGULATION OF CONDITIONS OF WORK OF CHILDREN 6. Application of Part. 6. Application of Part. The provisions of this Part shall apply to an establishment or a class of establishments in which none of the occupations or processes referred to in section 3 is carried on. 7. Hours and period of work. 7. Hours and period of work. (1) No child shall be required or permitted to work in any establishment in excess of such number of hours as may be prescribed for such establishment or class of establishments. (2) The period of work on each day shall be so fixed that no period shall exceed three hours and that no child shall work for more than three hours before he has had an interval for rest for at least one hour. (3) The period of work of a child shall be so arranged that inclusive of his interval for rest, under sub-section (2), it shall not be spread over more than six hours, including the time spent in waiting for work on any day. (4) No child shall be permitted or required to work between 7 p.m and 8 a.m. (5) No child shall be required or permitted to work overtime. (6) No child shall be required or permitted to work in any establishment on any day on which he has already been working in another establishment. 8. Weekly holidays. 8. Weekly holidays. Every child employed in an establishment shall be allowed in each week, a holiday of one whole day, which day shall be specified by the occupier in a notice permanently exhibited in a conspicuous place in the establishment and the day so specified shall not be altered by the occupier more than once in three months. 9. Notice to Inspector. 9. Notice to Inspector. (1) Every occupier in relation to an establishment in which a child was employed or permitted to work immediately before the date of commencement of this Act in relation to such establishment shall, within a period of thirty days from such commencement, send to the Inspector 1249 within whose local limits the establishment is situated, a written notice containing the following particulars, namely:-- (a) the name and situation of the establishment; (b) the name of the person in actual management of the establishment; (c) the address to which communications relating to the establishment should be sent; and (d) the nature of the occupation or process carried on in the establishment. (2) Every occupier, in relation to an establishment, who employs, or permits to work, any child after the date of commencement of this Act in relation to such establishment, shall, within a period of thirty days from the date of such employment, send to the Inspector within whose local limits the establishment is situated, a written notice containing the particulars as are mentioned in sub-section (1). Explanation.--For the purposes of sub-sections (1) and (2), "date of commencement of this Act, in relation to an establishment" means the date of bringing into force of this Act in relation to such establishment. (3) Nothing in sections 7,8 and 9 shall apply to any establishment wherein any process is carried on by the occupier with the aid of his family or to any school established by, or receiving assistance or recognition from, Government. 10. Disputes as to age. 10. Disputes as to age. If any question arises between an Inspector and an occupier as to the age of any child who is employed or is permitted to work by him in an establishment, the question shall, in the absence of a certificate as to the age of such child granted by the prescribed medical authority, be referred by the Inspector for decision to the prescribed medical authority. 11. Maintenance of register. 11. Maintenance of register. There shall be maintained by every occupier in respect of children employed or permitted to work in any establishment, a register to be available for inspection by an Inspector at all times during working hours or when work is being carried on in any such establishment, showing-- (a) the name and date of birth of every child so employed or permitted to work; (b) hours and periods of work of any such child and the intervals of rest to which he is entitled; (c) the nature of work of any such child; and (d) such other particulars as may be prescribed. 12. Display of notice containing abstract of sections 3 and 14. 12. Display of notice containing abstract of sections 3 and 14. Every railway administration, every port authority and every occupier shall cause to be displayed in a conspicuous and accessible place at every station on its railway or within the limits of a port or at the place of work, as the case may be, a notice in the local language and in the English language containing an abstract of sections 3 and 14. 13. Health and safety. 13. Health and safety. (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for the health and safety of the children employed or permitted to work in any establishment or class of establishments. 1250 (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the said rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-- (a) cleanliness in the place of work and its freedom from nuisance; (b) disposal of wastes and effluents; (c) ventilation and temperature; (d) dust and fume; (e) artificial humidification; (f) lighting; (g) drinking water; (h) latrine and urinals; (i) spittoons; (j) fencing of machinery; (k) work at or near machinery in motion; (l) employment of children on dangerous machines; (m) instructions, training and supervision in relation to employment of children on dangerous machines; (n) device for cutting off power; (o) self-acting machines; (p) easing of new machinery; (q) floor, stairs and means of access; (r) pits, sumps, openings in floors, etc.; (s) excessive weights; (t) protection of eyes; (u) explosive or inflammable dust, gas, etc.; (v) precautions in case of fire; (w) maintenance of buildings; and (x) safety of buildings and machinery. PART MISCELLANEOUS PART IV MISCELLANEOUS 14. Penalties. 14. Penalties. (1) Whoever employs any child or permits any child to work in contravention of the provisions of section 3 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months but which may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to twenty thousand rupees or with both. (2) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence under section 3, commits a like offence afterwards, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years. 1251 (3) Whoever-- (a) fails to give notice as required by section 9; or (b) fails to maintain a register as required by section 11 or makes any false entry in any such register; or (c) fails to display a notice containing an abstract of section 3 and this section as required by section 12; or (d) fails to comply with or contravenes any other provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder. shall be punishable with simple imprisonment which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both. 15. Modified application of certain laws in relation to penalties. 15. Modified application of certain laws in relation to penalties. (1) Where any person is found guilty and convicted of contravention of any of the provisions mentioned in sub-section (2), he shall be liable to penalties as provided in sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 14 of this Act and not under the Acts in which those provisions are contained. (2) The provisions referred to in sub-section (1) are the provisions mentioned below:-- (a) section 67 of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948); (b) section 40 of the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1982); (c) section 109 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (44 of 1958); and (d) section 21 of the Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961 (27 of 1961). 16. Procedure relating to offences. 16. Procedure relating to offences. (1) Any person, police officer or Inspector may file a complaint of the commission of an offence under this Act in any court of competent jurisdiction. (2) Every certificate as to the age of a child which has been granted by a prescribed medical authority shall, for the purposes of this Act, be conclusive evidence as to the age of the child to whom it relates. (3) No court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act. 17. Appointment of Inspectors. 17. Appointment of Inspectors. The appropriate Government may appoint Inspectors for the purposes of securing compliance with the provisions of this Act and any Inspector so appointed shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). 18. Power to make rules. 18. Power to make rules. (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to the condition of previous publication, make rules for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-- (a) the term of office of, the manner of filling casual vacancies of, and the allowances payable to the Chairman and members of the Child Labour Technical Advisory Committee and the conditions 1252 and restrictions subject to which a non-member may be appointed to a sub-committee under sub-section (5) of section 5; (b) number of hours for which a child may be required or permitted to work under sub-section (1) of section 7; (c) grant of certificates of age in respect of young persons in employment or seeking employment, the medical authorities which may issue such certificate, the form of such certificate, the charges which may be made thereunder and the manner in which such certificate may be issued: Provided that no charge shall be made for the issue of any such certificate if the application is accompanied by evidence of age deemed satisfactory by the authority concerned; (d) the other particulars which a register maintained under section 11 should contain. 19. Rules and notifications to be laid before Parliament or Statelegislature. 19. Rules and notifications to be laid before Parliament or State legislature. (1) Every rule made under this Act by the Central Government and every notification issued under section 4, shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made or issued, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or notification or both Houses agree that the rule or notification should not be made or issued, the rule or notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule or notification. (2) Every rule made by a State Government under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, before the legislature of that State. 20. Certain other provisions of law not barred. 20. Certain other provisions of law not barred. Subject to the provisions contained in section 15, the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of, the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), the Plantations Labour Act, 1951 (69 of 1951) and the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952). 21. Power to remove difficulties. 21. Power to remove difficulties. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removal of the difficulty: Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of three years from the date on which this Act receives the assent of the President. (2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the Houses of Parliament. 22. Repeal and savings. 22. Repeal and savings. (1) The Employment of Children Act, 1938 (26 of 1938) is hereby repealed. (2) Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or taken under the Act so repealed 1253 shall, in so far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Act. 23. Amendment of Act 11 of 1948. 23. Amendment of Act 11 of 1948. In section 2 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948,-- (i) for clause (a), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely:-- `(a) "adolescent" means a person who has completed his fourteenth year of age but has not completed his eighteenth year; (aa) "adult" means a person who has completed his eighteenth year of age;'; (ii) after clause (b), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:-- `(bb) "child" means a person who has not completed his fourteenth year of age;'. 24. Amendment of Act 69 of 1951. 24. Amendment of Act 69 of 1951. In the Plantations Labour Act, 1951,-- (a) in section 2, in clauses (a) and (c), for the word "fifteenth", the word "fourteenth" shall be substituted; (b) section 24 shall be omitted; (c) in section 26, in the opening portion, the words "who has completed his twelfth year" shall be omitted. 25. Amendment of Act 44 of 1958. 25. Amendment of Act 44 of 1958. In the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, in section 109, for the word "fifteen", the word "fourteen" shall be substituted. 26. Amendment of Act 27 of 1961. 26. Amendment of Act 27 of 1961. In the Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961, in section 2, in clauses (a) and (c), for the word "fifteenth", the word "fourteenth" shall be substituted.

Crub Smoking

2009-06-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

Crub Smoking

Hate Smoking??????.......Me too.

Finally I found something that will make the smokers scratch their head if found smoking in a public place.
Smoking in a public place is an offense and should be dealt, firmly by us.
All the Government can do is to enforce laws, it is the people who can bring it into force.
The next time someone is smoking near you, don't walk away inform him he is not supposed to do so. If he tries to get verbal inform him about the following law.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and distribution) law 2003 (COTPA, 2003).

Government of India has made a tobacco control law. It’s called Cigarettes and other tobacco products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and distribution) law 2003 (COTPA, 2003). This act was signed by the President of India on behalf of Indian citizen in 2003. The Act extends to whole of India. The Act came into force on 1st, May, 2004.

Central government revised the rule, banning smoking in all public places from October 2, 2008.

The new law bans smoking in all public places which includes:

Auditoriums, hospitals premises, health posts, refreshments, public offices, court buildings, education offices, libraries, amusement center, public transport, play grounds, railway stations, bus stops, working places, shopping malls. Coffee houses, pubs, bars, air port lounge.

The owner, manager, supervisor and in charge of public places are entitled to fine the person who disobeys the above law.

In case the owner, manager, supervisor and in charge of public places disobeys the law or doesn’t take action he/ she will be fined in the same manner under the law.

In case the person refuses to quit and tries to go physical go to the near by police beat or police station and bring into notice the same to the police inspector in charge

Things to Remember:

Try to tell the person kindly about the law.

If the person is not alone don't try to be a hero go look for the person in charge

For eg:
If such a situation takes place on a platform go to the station masters office and inform or look for the nearest policeman
If such a situation takes place on a bus stop look for the ticket-collector and inform him.

Visit the site www.salaambombay.org for more on campaigning against Tobacco users.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched this toll free no for any types of grievances 1800-100-456

Rajabai Clock Tower

2009-06-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

Rajabai Clock Tower

In memory of his beloved mother Rajabai, late Seth Premchand Raichand a prosperous broker and founder of Bombay Stock Exchange
built this Clock tower in the year 1878.

It was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott who found inspiration from the bell tower created by the legendary Italian painter Giotto di Bondone. Rajabai Clock Tower has been modeled on Big Ben, the clock tower in the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, UK.

During the British rule, it played the tunes of "Rule Britannia", "God Save the King", "Home! Sweet Home!" and "A Handel Symphony", out of a total of sixteen tunes, which changed four times a day. It currently chimes only one tune of "Big Ben" every 15 minutes.

It took three lakh rupees for Seth Premchand to complete the structure.
This elegant 280 feet high Gothic clock tower is a part of the University Library of Mumbai.
The tower has 5 elaborately decorated storeys ornamented with statues in oriental grab representing
India's various castes and sects.

Visitors are allowed to see the tower between 11a.m. and 5p.m.

From this tower one can see the Bombay(Mumbai) High court and beautiful scenery of the city.

Nearest railway station is Churchgate on western railway.

Taraporewala Aquarium

2009-06-19T02:52:00.000-07:00

Taraporewala Aquarium

The one and only aquarium in the city is built bearing a cost of Rs.800,000. The initial donation of Rs.200,000 was done by Mr.Taraporewala who was a parsi philanthropist.

This initial donation paved the way for setting up the aquarium. Thus this elegant aquarium is named in his honor.
This well planned aquarium was inaugurated in 1951 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first president of India.

Mumbai being a marine city, this aquarium holds a variety of marine life bringing into light the beautiful
world beneath the waters. There are both fresh water and sea water fishes. There are three large rooms in the aquarium were fishes are displayed in a manner as to highlight the attractiveness of their appearance. One of the rooms has fossils and preserved fish
in bottles along with rare sea shells. The main attraction here are the variety of sharks and turtles.

This is a beautiful and informative place for children to visit.
Taking into account the success of the aquarium the Government has sanctioned a 134crore project to replace
the aquarium with an oceanarium

Timings: 11a.m. to 7p.m. on weekdays.
10a.m. to 7p.m. on Sundays.

Please note: Monday closed

Nearest railway station is Charni road on western railway
Buses to reach: 123

Postal Codes

2009-06-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

Postal Codes

Name	Postal Codes
Mumbai(Bombay)G.P.O	400 001
Kalbadevi	400 002
Mandvi	400 003
Girgaon	400 004
Colaba	400 005
Ch. Bunder	400 009
Mazgaon	400 010
Jacob Circle	400 011
Parel	400 012
Delile	400 013
Malabar hill	400 006
Grant Road	400 007
Mumbai central	400 008
Dharavi	400 017
Worli	400 018
Matunga	400 019
Marine Lines	400 020
Nariman Point	400 021
Sion	400 022
Fort	400 023
Nehru Nagar	400 024
Prabhadevi	400 025
Cumballa hill	400 026
Jijamata Udyan	400 027
Bhawani Shankar	400 028
P.M.G's office	400 030
Wadala	400 031
Sachivaliya	400 032
Tank Road	400 033
Tulsi wadi	400 034
Raj Bhavan	400 035
August Kranti Marg	400 036
Antop hill Wadala	400 037
Ballard estate	400 038
Council hall	400 039
Shivaji Nagar Kurla	400 043
Juhu	400 049
Bandra	400 050
Bandra east	400 051
Khar	400 051
Santacruz West	400 054
Santacruz east	400 055
Vile parle west	400 056
Vile parle east	400 057
Andheri west	400 058
J.B. Nagar	400 059
Dadar	400 014
Sewri	400 015
Mahim	400 016
Andheri east	400 069
Kurla	400 070
Chembur	400 071
Saki Naka	400 072
Trombay	400 073
Fertilizer Corp	400 075
Pant Nagar	400 075
I.I.T Powai	400 076
Raja Wadi	400 077
Bhandup	400 078
Vikhroli	400 079
Mulund west	400 080
Mulund east	400 081
Mulund Colony	400 082
Tagore Nagar	400 083
Bhatwadi	400 084
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre	400 085
Ghatkopar	400 086
Nitie	400 087
Deonar	400 088
Tilak Nagar	400 089
Bangur Nagar	400 090
Borivli west	400 092
Chakala M.I.D.C	400 093
Kharodi	400 095
Seepz	400 096
Vodyanagari	400 098
Sahar	400 099
Kandivli east	400 101
Jogeshwari east	400 102
Mandpeshwar	400 103
Jogeshwari	400 060
Goregaon west	400 062
Goregaon east	400 063
Malad west	400 064
Aarey Milk Colony	400 065
Borivli east	400 066
Kandivli west	400 067
Dahisar	400 068

Old Roads.........New Names

2009-06-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

Old Roads.........New Names

Old Road Names	New Names
Aurther Road	Sane Guruji Marg
Apollo Pier Road	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg
Apollo Street in Fort Area	Mumbai Samachar Marg
Ash lane, Dadar	Dnyan Mandir Road
Alster Road in Rani Baug	Dadaji Kondadev Road
Andheri Station(East)	G.G. Agarkar Chowk
Arab Lane in Foras Road Area	Mohammed Taher Ansari Marg
Altamount Road	Salebhoy Karimji Barodawalla Marg
Bandra Station Road	Prof. Anant Kanekar Marg
Band Stand	Municipal Garden
Ballard Road at Ballard Estate	Shoorji Vallabhdas Marg
Bori Bunder	Nagar Chowk
Bhendi Bazaar Junction	Johar Chowk
Bhuleshwar Street	Dr.Atmaram Merchant Road
Byculla Bridge	A.H. Ansari Chowk
Byculla Station Road	Ganesh Hari Parundekar Marg
Borivili Church	Poisar Depot
Broach Street in Dana Bunder	Devji Ratansey Marg
Bruce Street in Fort Area	Homi Modin Street
Chakala Street	Sherif Devji Street
Chembur Naka	Swami Vivekanand Chowk
C.P. Tank	Kasturba Gandhiji Chowk
Cadell Road	Swatantriya Veer Savarkar Marg
Carmichael Road	Dhanukar Marg
Carnac Road	Lokmanya Tilak Marg
Central Avenue(Chembur)	Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Marg
Charni Road	Raja Ram ohan Roy Road
Churchgate Station	Aahilyabai Holkar Chowk
Churchgate Street	Veer Nariman Road
Curry Road	Mahadev Palav Marg
Chowk at Dadar Portugese Church	Prabhodhankar Thakre Chowk
Chowk at Haji Ali	Vatsalabai Desai Chowk
Club Black Road	Y.M.C.A Road
Club Road(Byculla)	Maratha Mandir Marg
Colaba Road	Sahid Bhagat Singh Road
College Road	H.R. Mahajani Marg
Council Road in Bori Bunder	Mahapalika Sabhagriha Marg
Chowpatty Lane	Kulapati K.M.Munshi Marg
Crescent Road(Mantralaya)	Jeevan Bhima Marg
Cruickshank Road	Mahapalika Marg
Cuffe Parade Road(Colaba)	Captain Prakash Pethe Marg
Dadar	Khodadad Circle
Dadar Gully	Krishnaji Waman Chitle Path
Dadar Main Road	Dadasaheb Phadke Road
Dadar Station	Shree Swami Narayan Chowk
Dadar Road	Dr.M.C. Javle Marg
Dhobi Talao	Krantiveer Vasudeo Balwant Chowk
Dhabu Street	Raudat Tahera Street
Duncun Road and Ripon Road	Maulana Azad Road
Doctor Street	Saifee Jubilee Street
E Road(Churchgate)	Indian Merchants Chamber Road
Esplanade Road	Mahatma Gandhi Road
Elphinstone Circle	Horniman Circle
Eastern Express Highway	Vasantrao Naik Marg
Flora Fountain	Hutatma Chowk
Frere Road	P. D'Mello Road
Frere Road(G.P.O)	Shahid Bhagat Singh Road
Foras Road(Mumbai Central)	R.S. Nimbkar Marg
Falkland Road	Patthe Bapurao Marg
Grant Road	Maulana Shaukhatali Road
Girgaum Road	Jagannath Shankarshet Road
Gowalia Tank Road	August Kranti Road
Hanuman Lane(Kalbadevi)	Dhirubhai Parekh Marg
Harkness Road	Jamnadas M. Mehta Road
Hill Road(Bandra West)	Shri. Krishna Chandra Marg
Hornby Road(Fort)	Dadabhai Naoroji Road
Haji Ali	Vatsalabai Parekh Marg
Hamam Street(Fort	Ambalal Doshi Marg
Huges Road(Opera House)	Nyaymurti Sitaram Patkar Marg
Juhu Lane	C.D. Barfiwala Marg
Kamathipura12th, 13th & 14th Lane	Shuklaji Street1st, 2nd & 3rd Lanes
King's Circle	B.M. Maheshwari Udyan
Kemp's Corner Road	Lokhitwadi Gopal Hari Deshmukh Bridge
Khar Pali Road	Shri. Parmanand Dipchand Hinduja Marg
Kennedy Bridge(Opera House)	Khan Bahadur Ardeshwar Irani Bridge
Lalbaug	Sant jagnade Chowk
Lamington Cross Road	Allibhai Premji Marg
Landsdowne Road(Colaba)	Mahakavi Bhushan Marg
Lady Jamshedji Road	N.C. Kelkar Marg
Lady Jamshedji Road	Dr. A.S. Gaya Marg
Linking Road	Vithalbhai Patel Road
Lotus Cinema	Nehru Planetarium
Lohar Street	Dr. Cawasji Hormusji Street
Medow Street	Nagindas Master Road
Marve Road(Malad)	Chunilal Girdharilal Marg
Marine Drive	Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road
Marine Lines	Sir. Dinshaw Mulla Road
Mumbai Agra Road	Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg
Mirchi Gully(Wadgadi)	Abhaychand D. Gandhi Marg
Masjid Bunder Road	Yusuf Meherally Road
Museum, Prince of Wales	Dr. S.P. Mukherji Chowik
Nepean Sea Road	L. D. Ruparel Marg
Nepean Sea Road Flyover	Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Bridge
New Queen's Road	Mama Parmanand Road
New Marine Lines Road	Sir Vithaldas Thackersey Marg
Opera House	Pt. Paluskar Chowk
Oval Garden Plaza(Fort)	Vidhan Chowk
Princess Street	Shamaldas Gandhi Marg
Powai Road	Adi Shankaracharya Marg
Peddar Road	Dr. Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg
Portugese Church(Dadar)	Rao. Bahadur S. K. Bole Road
Pydhoni Road	Ibrahim Mohammad Merchant Road
Queen's Road	Maharshi Karve Marg
Reay Road(Mazgaon)	Barrister Nath Pai Marg
Shivaji Park	Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg
Sion Circle	Maharani Laxmibai Chowk
Strand Road	Premsingh Jethsingh Ramcandani Marg
Sandhurst Road	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road
Seven Bunglow Street(Versova)	Maneklal C. Chamai Marg
Tulsi Pipe Road	Senapati Bapat Marg
Turner Road Lane(Juhu)	Balraj Sahani Lane
Turner Road(Bandra)	Shri Guru Nanak Road
Tardeo Road	Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Marg
Victoria Gardens	Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan
Versova Main Road	Pandurang Damle Marg
Worli Naka	Acharya Atre Chowk

Complaint against Auto and Taxi drivers

2009-06-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Complaint against Auto and Taxi drivers

Ever had a quarrel with an taxi driver or an auto-rickshaw driver......?????? And wondered what should be done to such guys????? Well now there is nothing to worry about here is something that will help you a lot.

If an Auto-rickshaw or a taxi driver refuses to travel to a certain destination irrespective of the distance, does not respond to your call or goes physical here's what you should do

>> A complaint against any taxi driver who misbehaves can be lodged against him by either email or post.
To lodge an online complaint, go to the Mumbai traffic police website
-http://trafficpolicemumbai.org

>> Or you can also fax your complaint to 02224927237, 24924734, 24925462

>> You can also email the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) at jcptraffic@trafficpolicemumbai.org and jcptraffic@gmail.com

>>If a taxi or auto-rickshaw driver misbehaves with the passenger, charges wrong fare, or refuses to take him to his destination, a complaint can be registered against the driver mentioning
the taxi number,
the date,
time,
place,
and the nature of the offense
at the RTO of his respective area (Tardeo, Wadala or Andheri). The complaint can even be lodged through the website www.rtomumbaicentral.com

An independent inquiry will be carried out. If it is found that the offender is done such a thing for the first time he is levied a minimum fine of Rs. 100 according to the law and the offender is warned. A second time offender is dealt with higher fines and suspension of the drivers license.
so friends there you go the next time an errant driver charges exorbitant fares you know what to do....

Why an auto-rickshaw or a taxi driver cannot refuse to ply to any destination?
An Auto-rickshaw or a Taxi is a 'Public Service Vehicle' so they have no rights to refuse to ply to any destination irrespective of its distance.
As per the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Act, Section 22 (d) 178 (3) (b), "Auto rickshaw driver Refusing to ply for hire" attracts a penalty of Rs. 100, and it goes up to Rs. 200 for a Taxi refusing to ply.

Please note:
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Mumbai had issued new tariff cards for taxis in April 2007. But even today taxi drivers continue to ply passengers using the old tariff cards which is an offense under the Motor Vehicles Act and can incur a fine of Rs 500- 2,500 along with the suspension of the driver’s license

Since Majority of the taxis were converted to CNG the tariff card was reissued. In spite of official tariff cards being introduced, taxi drivers continue to use the old tariff cards.

Earlier the minimum fare was Rs 13 for every 1.6 km and Rs 8.50p for every subsequent km. The new tariff cards have the same minimum fare and for every subsequent km the fare is Rs 8.

In order to make sure that you’re not being cheated, remember that an authentic tariff card bears the Regional Transport Authority’s (RTA) stamp along with the chairman’s and the secretary’s signature. It is pale yellow in color.

Things to keep in mind.
>>Download the format for the Complaint form and save it on your PC or take a Print out and keep it handy

>>Get into the auto or taxi first and then tell your destination

>>The driver cannot ask to get down from the vehicle

>>If the driver goes physical call on 100

4 star hotels

2009-04-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

4 star hotels

THE AMBASSADOR
Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate
Pin 400 020
Email: ambassador@vsnl.com
Website: www.ambassadorindia.com

WEST END HOTEL
45, New Marine Lines,
Near Liberty Cinema
in 400 020
Email: westhotel@vsnl.com

RITZ HOTEL
5,Jamshedji Tata Road,
Churchgate
Pin 400 020

HOTEL MIDTOWN PRITAM
Pritam estate,
Dadar east
Pin 400 014
Email: pritam@bom3.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.pritamhotels.com

5 Star hotels

2009-04-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

5 star hotels

TAJ PRESIDENT
90,Cuffe Parade, Colaba
Pin 400 005
Email: president.mumbai@tajhotels.com
Website: www.tajhotels.com

HOTEL SEA PRINCESS
Juhu Tara Road, Juhu Beach
Pin 400 049
Email:seaprinc@bom4.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.seaprincess.com

CENTAUR HOTEL
Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Vile Parle(w)
Pin 400 049
Email:centaur@bom3.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.centaurhotel.com

THE ORCHID
Nehru Road, Near Domestic Airport,
Vile Parle east
Pin 400 049
Toll free no # 1600-115432
Website: www.orchidhotel.com

THE REGENT
Lands End, Bandstand, Bandra West
Pin 400 050
Website: www.regenthotels.com

THE RESORT
P.O Box # 11801, Aksa Beach,
11, Madh-Marve Road,
Malad West
Pin 400 095
Email: the_resort@vsnl.com

General Information about Mumbai.

2009-04-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

General Information about Mumbai

Area:
437.77 sq. kms

Population:
14.8 million and growing

Common Languages:
Marathi is the native language and most widely spoken other
languages spoken are English,Gujrati,Hindi.

Time Zone:
India has a single time zone.
Indian Standard Time is
5&1/2 hours ahead of London(GMT).
10&1/2 hours ahead of New York.
4&1/2 hours behind Australia.
2&1/2 hours behind Hong KOng & Singapore.

Electricity:
The electric current in India is 220/250 volts and AC/50 cycles.

Currency:
The Indian currency is of 'Rupees and Paise'
where 1Rupee=100Paise.

Coins available are: 50paise, 1Rupee, 2Rupee, 5Rupee, 10Rupee.
Notes available are: 1Rupee, 2Rupee, 5Rupee, 10Rupee, 20Rupee, 50Rupee, 100Rupee, 500Rupee, 1000Rupee.

Mode of traveling:
There is a wide distributed railway network in Mumbai which also is the major mode of transport in the city comprising of the
Central, Western, Harbor lines.
One can also use the B.E.S.T buses which reach to every corner of the city.
Auto-rickshaws and Taxis are also available at fixed tariff.

Elephanta Caves

2009-04-20T06:36:00.000-07:00

Elephanta Caves

About 11kms offshore of the Gateway of India is a small but beautiful island known as the Elephanta Island. The Elephanta Caves here are the home of Lord Shiva.
Carved in solid Basalt rock these caves are an artistic example of surpassing skill. Originally Built by the Rashtraputa kings in 6th century A.D. the caves prominently depict the rock cut architecture of that time .

Also known as the 'Gharapuri' meaning the 'Place of Caves' this island got its present name from a huge black stone figure of a huge Elephant.
When the Portuguese first landed here they found a statue of a Elephant which they moved to the shore. Today this statue stands in front of The City Zoo, Raniche baug(victoria garden).

The cave temple opens out on three sides. Light enters these caves from various sides causing the sculptures to glow adding to the beauty of the caves.
The 'Mahesha Murti' a three headed bust of Lord Shiva standing 6meters in height is the most famous of the sculptures.
The left side signifies Shiva as the destroyer, the right the preserver and the front as the meditative Shiva.

In the main cave there are nine carvings showing various moods and forms of Shiva.
the nine sculptures show
1. The yogic Shiva
2. Lord Shiva as a dancer
3. Shiva and Parvati in a marriage ceremony
4. Parvarti on Mount Kailash
5. Shiva lifting Kailash
6. Descent of the Ganges
7. Shiva as Maheshmurti
8. Shiva slaying a demon
9. Shiva as Ardhnarinateshwar

The Caves is now one of the 16 sites in India marked as world monuments.
The island can be reached by motor launches. There are a lot of trips between 8a.m. to 2:30p.m.
It takes about an hour to reach to the island.

Launch fares: Rs.85 for Adult(Deluxe launch with guide)
Rs.65 for Adult(ordinary launch)

Nearest station : C.S.T.(Victoria Terminus) on central railway and Churchgate on Western Railway

Ferries and Launches are available from Gateway of India.

Please note: Last launch from Elephanta island leaves at 5:30p.m.

PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM

2009-04-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM

Built in 1914 the Prince of Wales museum is a confluence of mid Victorian Gothic-Moorish style building made up of basalt stone and crowned by a sparkling white dome.
Designed by George wittewt, the foundation stone was laid in 1905 by the visiting Prince of Wales.

The construction of the building was completed in 1914, converted to a military hospital during the WorldWarI , and finally opened in 1923 by Lady Loyd, the wife of the then governor of Mumbai(Bombay).

The museum has 3 main sections viz. Art, Archaeology and National History.
It boasts a good collection of ancient Indus valley artifacts dating back to 2000B.C. plus some priceless Tibetan and Nepali art.

There is an entire gallery devoted to Buddhist tanka scrolls and Tibetan bronzes, but the chief attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from the various art schools in India.

The beautiful and serene paintings of the Ajanta , Ellora and Elephanta and other historic places are also in view here.

Do not forget to see the Parsi's 'Tower of Silence'.

Timings:10:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(Monday Closed).
Entry: Adult Rs. 10
Children Rs. 2
Foreigners Rs. 150
Telephone no. 2284 4484/4519.

Nearest Railway station is Churchgate on Western Railway and Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus(Victoria Terminus) on Central Railway.

Buses to reach :1,2,3,6,9,11,14,16,20,21,22,24,43,44,47,61,65,69.

Gateway of India

2009-03-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Gateway of India

During the British rule this grand gateway was built at Mumbai's Apollo Bunder to commomerate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The foundation stone of this masterpiece was laid on 31st March 1911, by the then governor of Mumbai(Bombay) Sir George Sydenham Clarke. It's conceptualizing, drawing and planning was done by a well known architect George Wittet.

The monument cost about 21lakhs. The cost of this edifice was bore by the Government of India. The Gateway was officially opened on 4th December 1924.
This arched monument has 4 beautiful turrets and elaborate lattice work engraved in yellow basalt stone. For construction of Gateway, land was reclaimed from sea by filling rocks and earth. The foundation was taken 32feet deep.

This monument is unique amalgam of Indian-Islamic architectural styles. The basalt arch is 26meters (85feet approx.) in height having a diameter of 48feet. This spectacular monument being a heritage site in India has been attracting tourists from the globe.

After Independence statues of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Swami Vivekanand have been erected near the Gateway. This splendid monument symbolizes the cultural richness of the city. There are regular ferries for Elephanta caves, Alibaug and the nearby villages from here.

Please don't forget to read the writing on the Gateway of India which reads "Erected to commemorate the landing in India of their Imperial Majesties King George V and Queen Mary on the second of December MCMXI."

Nearest railway stations: C.S.T(V.T) on central railway, Churchgate on western railway.

Buses to reach:1,2,3,6,9,16,20,22,24,43,44,47,61,101,103.

I am Mumbai

2009-03-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Awakening Mumbai on the Web

Mumbai a small world in itself is home for about 14.8 million people. It has an area of about 437.7 Sq.Km which shelters the ever increasing population. This dream city gets it's name from The Goddess 'Mumbadevi'. The kolis(fishermen) are the original inhabitants.

The Goddess of the fishermen is 'Mumba Aai' which gives the city it's name. The city is a union of seven small islands naming Mahim, Colaba, Small Colaba , Mazgaon, Worli, Parel and Matunga.

The famous geologist Pitolami in 150 A.D. discovered Mumbai. During the period of 273-232B.C. the Mauryas and during the period of 810-1260B.C. Shilahar ruled in Mumbai. On 23/12/1534 Sultan Bahadur Shah lended Mumbai to the Portugals for the yearly tax of 85 pounds. On the occasion of marriage of British Prince Charles with Portugal Princess Cathrine Briganza, Mumbai was gifted to the British King on 23/06/1661.

Today Mumbai is the industrial and economic capital of India. This colorful city is a blend of different cultures depicting the unity in diversity. The beautiful Arabian sea washes the shores of this splendid city. If at all you are falling from a train and you see many hands trying to help you out.....

Guess what....???? You are in Mumbai.

This is a site on general information about Mumbai useful in day-to-day life and awareness among the masses.

We all love our city but are we aware that we have been so ignorant and selfish in our behavior.
I have taken a small step in making the masses aware of their rights and to bring into light our city's plight.

I would really like, if you all would lend a helping hand and make our city a better place to live in.
Please share your views and do let me know if you have some information to be shared with our fellow beings.