Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is now offering lemon juice to fans who gather outside his bungalow, Jalsa, every Sunday. From 1982, each Sunday, Big B has been stepping out on Sundays to meet his fans outside his bungalow Jalsa in Mumbai. Fans gather at the gates every Sunday to catch a glimpse of the actor, and Bachchan has rarely ever missed a chance to interact with them on weekends. In April 2021, the actor started keeping drinking water outside his home to quench the thirst of people during summer. Big B started keeping a big mataka full of drinking water outside his home. He had also instructed the security guard to regularly clean the mataka and refill it. Now, in another generous gesture, the 80-year-old star has gotten a lemon juice stall stationed outside his bungalow for his fans every Sunday. Many people come to meet Bachchan on Sundays, from long distances, and they wait outside his house for hours to catch a glimpse of the actor. One of the team members of ABEF (Amitabh Bachchan Extended Family) told Mid-day, "Big B always cares for his fans. Earlier he had kept drinking water for people to quench their thirst, and now he has started keeping lemon Juice for fans. Fans come to see and meet Amitabh Bachchan from long distances. Big B rarely misses his 'Sunday Darshan'." The summer heat is definitely on Big B's mind. A few weeks ago, the actor had posted a video of a man seemingly carrying his own fan on the Mumbai streets. He took to his Instagram and shared a hilarious video of an unknown person seen walking on the street in Mumbai, with the caption, "… in the heat of the day .. he carries his own fan to cool off." In the video, a bald man with a ponytail is seen walking on the road and shaking his head. The head movement leads to his ponytail moving like a fan, helping the man keep cool. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan) His fans found the video hilarious and filled the comments section with funny reactions and laughing emojis. Bachchan was also in the news recently for riding pillion on a bike without a helmet. He had taken a lift from a stranger to get to his workplace quickly, and shared a photo of the same. However, a section of social media users pointed out that Big B was not wearing a helmet and tagged Mumbai Police to take cognizance of his action and even trolled Big B for the same.
30 May,2023 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe IPL 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, originally scheduled to be held on 28th May at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, was shifted to the reserve day after relentless rain on Sunday evening. The final showdown will now be held on Monday. However, with prediction of rain even on Monday, another question arises – what happens if the match gets cancelled on the reserve day as well? The weather in Ahmedabad has been unpredictable for the last few days. The rain led to a delay during Qualifier 2 between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians on Friday. But the viewers were able to enjoy the game without any reduction in overs. This couldn’t be achieved on Sunday as the persistent rain created puddles on the field. After hoping for the weather conditions to improve for four hours, a final call was taken around 11 PM and the match was postponed. Also Read: GT vs CSK: IPL 2023 final moves into Reserve Day after play is washed out Weather forecast for Monday In what is an optimistic update for IPL fans, the weather forecast has indicated better conditions for today’s game. Although the weather is expected to remain cloudy few hours before the match, there is no prediction of rain during match hours, implying the possibility of a full 20-over game. But what if the play gets washed out on the reserve day as well? The rules for reserve day remain the same. The cut-off time for a 20-over match is 9:35 PM which means the outfield and pitch need to be ready for the game latest by that time. Post 9:35 PM, overs will start getting reduced with the cut-off time for a 5-over match being 12:06 AM. If that is also not possible, a Super Over can be played, the cut-off time for which is 1:20 AM. If rain doesn’t allow for any of the above alternatives to take place, the team that finished with more points at the end of the league match stage will be declared winner. Gujarat Titans, who were placed at the top of the table with three points more than second-placed Chennai Super Kings, will take the IPL trophy home. The match starts at 7:30 PM today. Also Read: IPL Final: CSK or GT, who will have the last laugh at Motera? What do stats say?
29 May,2023 04:13 PM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecasted light to moderate spells of rain in some parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 3-4 hours. IMD also predicted the possibility of rain and hailstorm in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand on Monday. "Latest satellite imagery shows the possibility of light to moderate spells of rain accompanied with thunderstorms/lightning/gusty winds activity over some parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Andaman and Nicobar Islands during next 3-4 hours," the IMD said on Monday. IMD issued on Monday an orange alert for Uttarakhand where it is predicted the possibility of rain and hailstorm in higher reaches of the state and rain and thunder in the plains of it. "There is a possibility of rain and hailstorm in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand today. Chance of rain and thunder in the plains," IMD said. According to the Meteorological Department, rain is expected in Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag and light rain in Bageshwar, Almora and Pithoragarh. The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning of gusty winds blowing at a speed of 70 km. Meanwhile, Rain lashed parts of the national capital in the wee hours of Monday morning bringing relief from the heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday night predicted rain along with dust storms to hit parts of Delhi-NCR. IMD on Saturday issued an orange alert for Haryana, North-East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and said that there is a possibility of thunderstorms in Delhi for the next 3-4 days. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 May,2023 10:38 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIMumbaikars, brace yourselves for more hot weather for a few more days, even as pre-monsoon showers are expected to hit parts of Maharashtra. Temperatures in the interior Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha regions are expected to rise, according to meteorologists. Thunderstorms are possible in parts of the state, especially the western ghats, starting Monday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials and Vagaries of Weather, a popular private weather blog, have predicted that westerly winds can weaken, and a Line of Wind Discontinuity (LWD) over the ghats might cause the thunderstorms to develop from Monday. They will continue upto Wednesday. As per the Vagaries of weather, Mumbai will witness hot and humid weather, with a maximum temperature of around 35 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius.” “Interior Konkan and areas around Thane, Raigad districts and even Pune can witness maximum temperatures again rising to around 38 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Celsius. There are chances of thunderstorms developing in the hilly regions/ghats in the afternoon/evening hours, which can be localised and not evenly distributed,” Vagaries of Weather has predicted. As per IMD and the Vagaries of weather, between May 29 and May 31, temperatures in Marathwada are likely to rise to 42 degrees Celsius in many districts. Areas under Vidarbha will witness hot and dry weather with maximum temperatures in the range of 42 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius. “Mumbai and adjoining areas will witness dry and humid weather from May 29 to June 1. It will increase slightly in the daytime. There is a forecast of thunderstorms accompanied by light rain and gusty winds (30-40kmph) at isolated places for districts including Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Nanded, Latur and Osmanabad, etc. on May 29 and May 30,” said an official of IMD. Monsoon watch Meteorologists expect the monsoon winds to strengthen in the coming days. Talking about the arrival of the monsoon, Rajesh Kapadia of Vagaries of Weather said, “The southwest monsoon onset is expected over the Andaman-Nicobar Islands around May 29 and May 30. The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon is likely to reach Kerala from around June 4 to June 6. The monsoon may then reach Mumbai between June 12 and June 15. However, the further advance of the monsoon along the west coast after reaching Kerala can be affected if a low pressure system forms in the Arabian Sea.” Mumbai’s temperature On Sunday, the maximum temperature in Mumbai recorded at IMD’s Santacruz Observatory as well as Colaba Observatory was 34.4 degrees Celsius. As per IMD, the temperature is likely to hover around 34 to 35 degrees Celsius for the next couple of days. 44Temp in degrees C that Vidarbha could reach
29 May,2023 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued an Orange alert for Haryana, North-East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and said that there is a possibility of thunderstorms in Delhi for the next 3-4 days. The weather department said that due to the moisture from the Arabian Sea, northwest India will have similar weather today and tomorrow and there will be thunderstorms in North-Western India for 5 days. It also noted that there is a possibility of heavy rain in North-East UP and thunderstorm in other areas on Sunday. "Due to the moisture from the Arabian Sea, northwest India will have similar weather today and tomorrow. From tomorrow its effect will be mainly in UP and will reduce from the next day onwards. There will be thunderstorms in North-Western India for 5 days. There is a possibility of thunderstorms in Delhi for the next 3-4 days," said Dr Soma Sen Roy, IMD Scientist. "We have issued an Orange alert for Haryana, North-East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh but tomorrow there is a possibility of heavy rain in North-East UP and thunderstorm in other areas," she added. Earlier in the day, parts of Delhi-NCR witnessed heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The sudden change in weather would bring respite from the hot weather conditions prevailing over North India. IMD predicted the rains and thunderstorms in Delhi and its surrounding areas on Saturday morning. The weather department also predicted rain in Delhi for the next two to three days and no heat wave is predicted until May 30.
27 May,2023 03:13 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIParts of Delhi-NCR witnessed heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds on Saturday morning. The sudden change in weather would bring respite from the hot weather conditions prevailing over North India. India Meteorological Department predicted the rains and thunderstorms in Delhi and its surrounding areas on Saturday morning. "Thunderstorms/Duststorms with light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 40-70 Km/h would occur over and adjoining areas of the entire Delhi, NCR (Loni Dehat, Hindon AF Station, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, Ballabhgarh) Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Narwana, Karnal, Rajaund, Assandh, Safidon, Barwala, Panipat, Adampur, Hissar, Gohana, Gannaur, Siwani, Meham, Sonipat, Tosham, Rohtak, Kharkhoda, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Jhajjar, Loharu, Farukhnagar, Kosali, Mahendargarh, Sohana, Rewari, Palwal, Narnaul, Bawal, Nuh, Aurangabad, Hodal (Haryana) Gangoh, Deoband, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Kandhla, Khatauli, Baraut, Daurala, Bagpat, Meerut, Khekra, Modinagar, Kithor, Garhmukteshwar, Pilakhua, Hapur, Gulaoti, Siyana, Sikandrabad, Bulandshahar, Jahangirabad, Khurja, Gabhana, Jattari (U.P.) Sidhmukh, Pilani, Bhiwari, Jhunjunu, Tizara, Khairthal, Kotputli, Alwar, and Viratnagar (Rajasthan) during the next 2 hours," India Meteorological Department said. The weather department also predicted rain in Delhi for the next two to three days and no heat wave is predicted until May 30. IMD on Friday said that the rainfall all over India in the month of June will remain 'Below normal' levels adding that states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, and northern India will witness above-normal temperatures. While talking to ANI, RK Jenamani said, "In June, the rainfall all over India will be below 92 per cent, which is below normal. In states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Orissa, and northern India the temperature is likely to stay above normal, the probability that temperature will be above normal is 70-80 per cent." The IMD earlier said that monsoon is expected to make onset in Kerala on June 4 and that it will most likely be normal this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 May,2023 09:50 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe minimum temperature in the national capital settled at 22.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, four notches below the season's average, and rainfall and thunderstorm are expected later in the day, weather officials said. According to the India Meteorological Department, generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) are expected at most places towards the afternoon or the evening. The National Disaster Management Authority said, "Thunderstorm with lightning accompanied by gusty wind (speed 35-45 kmph) is very likely to occur at most places over Central Delhi, East Delhi, New Delhi, North Delhi, North East Delhi, North West Delhi, South Delhi, South West Delhi, West Delhi in next 24 hours." The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius. Also Read: Mumbai weather: City witnesses 'above normal' temperature as mercury touches 37.3 degrees The air quality in the national capital improved to the "good" category on Thursday. As per data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am stood at 96. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The relative humidity at 8.30 am was 59 per cent, the IMD said in a bulletin. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
25 May,2023 09:44 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday said that an approaching western disturbance may bring some relief to the heatwave conditions, reported news agency ANI. "Currently a spell of high temperature is over northwest India. Heatwave conditions were realized over Rajasthan, South Uttar Pradesh, and MP. Heatwave conditions will persist over South Haryana, South UP and parts of Delhi, and South Bengal. They will see heatwave conditions today as well. There is a fresh western disturbance coming, so the temperature will fall and the heatwave conditions will alleviate," Soma Sen Roy, an IMD Scientist said while talking to ANI. Amid soaring mercury, Delhi continued to witness a heat wave on Monday. With the routine of 'leaving the house' becoming more of a task, people were seen taking all kinds of precautions to save themselves from the scorching heat. The highest recorded temperatures in Delhi reached a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday, climbed to above 42 degrees on Sunday, and reached 44 degrees Celsius on Monday. Also Read: IMD heatwave warning: Dos and don’ts to battle high temperatures in Mumbai According to reports, Chandigarh has been witnessing rising temperatures for the past two days. On Sunday, the temperature exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, and it may do so again on Monday. Punjab and Haryana are also reeling under the scorching heatwaves with numerous locations recording temperatures as high as 44 degrees. In the next two days, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh may get rain as a result of the Western Disturbance. In another incidence of the heatwaves, mercury crossed 45 degrees in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. Due to the blistering heat, the residents are worried. People are drinking water and juices to cool their bodies. With temperatures soaring at 40 degrees Celsius, the demand for sweet and savoury sattu drinks has increased among people in Bihar to beat the heat waves. In northern states, the temperature is soaring but there is respite due to Western disturbances from time to time. Heat waves affect the Northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan generally in the month of May and June. To minimize the impact during the heatwave and to prevent serious ailment or death because of heat stroke, you can take the following measures: Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m; Drink sufficient water as often as possible, even if not thirsty; Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes; Use protective goggles; Use an umbrella/hat while going out in the Sun. The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death, according to National Disaster Management Authority. (With inputs from ANI)
23 May,2023 10:08 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday inspected pre-monsoon works, including the road repair and cleaning of nullahs, in his home turf Thane city. Shinde was accompanied by Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar and other officials. Talking to reporters, the Kopri-Pachpakhadi MLA said he was satisfied with the overall work. "The penalty clause of Rs 1 lakh for each pothole brought in by the TMC in the contract will ensure that contractors carry out quality work,. Besides, third-party testing and audit by IIT will ensure good quality work," he said. During the inspection, he directed the civic chief to issue show cause notices to a contractor and an official, respectively, for not providing PPE kits to workers and for the delay in the completion of work. Also Read: Fire breaks out at two houses in Thane, four including two children injured Queried on the Jalayukta Shivar programme, Shinde said it has been restored and is being given the utmost importance. The drive to increase the groundwater level by constructing ponds in farms was launched by Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis during his first term as the chief minister (from 2014-19). Shinde said the process of giving 75,000 jobs to the needy has already begun. "Our government is committed to working for the common man and will keep on working in the interest of the people," he said when asked about NCP leader Jitendra Awhad's demand to give importance to small houses in the development of clusters. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 May,2023 10:46 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIHeatwave continues to rack up mercury levels as temperatures record 40-45 degrees in various parts of the country, including cities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. As the country sizzles under high temperatures, Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert in nine states. The recent tragedy at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra brings to light the lax approach the state government exhibited in conducting a mass-scale event. A total of 13 people lost their lives while over 600 suffered from dehydration at the poorly organized Maharashtra Bhushan Award function. To top the inefficiency, IMD issued an alert after the heatwave managed to take 13 lives. IN PHOTOS: 13 Attendees at Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony die amid heat stroke With a majority of the population vulnerable to high temperatures, we reached out to Mumbai-based experts to learn about the dos and don’ts for battling the heatwave in India. Midday.com spoke to a city-based expert, Dr Shirish M Hastak, regional director, of neurology, stroke & neurocritical care, Global Hospital Parel Mumbai, and Sunanda Dayani, nutritionist and marathoner with Fast&Up. Are heat strokes caused by heatwave? Dr. Hastak points out that exposure to a hot environment can invite a heat stroke. In medical terminology, it is referred to as a non-exertional (classic) heatstroke. This type of stroke can be seen after one is exposed to hot, humid weather for a prolonged period. Even exercising in hot weather can lead to exertional heatstroke. Apart from these factors, drinking alcohol, dehydration, and wearing excessive clothing or poor fabric such as Polyester can lead to heatstroke. Also, certain medications, health conditions, age, and exertion in hot weather can raise the risk of heatstroke which in turn can be fatal. Impact of heatwave Hastak: Hot weather tends to take a toll on the quality of the air, making it difficult for the person to breathe. Hyperthermia happens when the temperature of the body is high. This is seen during extreme heat. If the body temperature rises to over 39 degrees Celsius then the brain indicates the muscles to slow down, and one gets fatigued. Extreme heat can cause the dilation of the blood vessels and one’s blood pressure will be lowered and he/she will begin to feel dizzy and sick. WATCH NOW: How to protect yourself from heatwave Symptoms of strokes due to heatwave Hastak: The worrisome signs and symptoms of heatstroke are nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and breathing, constant sweating, weak pulse, unconsciousness, dizziness, seizures in some cases, high body temperature, flushed skin, headache, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, and delirium. The person with these symptoms should be immediately taken to a doctor. Dos and don’ts to battle heatwave Dayani: As we undergo an intense heat wave, it becomes imperative to take care of ourselves. Dos to combat heatwave 1. Wear very light cotton clothing so that the sweat could evaporate very quickly2. Prefer lighter colours of clothing over darker colours3. Stay indoors and avoid stepping outdoors between 11 am to 4 pm when the heat is at its peak4. Ensure you carry some electrolyte-based drinks or even plain simple water5. Try to cover your face and head with a scarf or cap when you walk under the sun Also Read: Sunstroke deaths: Shah, Fadnavis, Shinde should sit in sun for three hours, will pay them Rs 10 lakh, says AIMIM MP Don’ts to combat heatwave 1. Do not step outside without carrying electrolytes or water to ensure optimum hydration2. Do not walk directly under the sun if you step out3. Do not forget to stay hydrated at regular intervals4. Do not smoke or consume alcohol as it leads to dehydration5. Do not wear tight clothes or synthetic fabrics Drinks to ensure hydration during heatwave Dayani: The simplest way to keep yourself hydrated in this heatwave is to drink ample coconut water, Kokum, chaas, or jaljeera. Just add a pinch of salt to these drinks and you have your perfect electrolyte drink. Another homemade electrolyte drink is lemonade. It works wonders. Just take some lime juice, some rock salt or sea salt, and some honey and you’re good to go. A cup of watermelon is a great source of potassium which is essential to beat the heatwave. Make a drink out of watermelon fruit which entails high water content. All you need to do is sprinkle some salt over it and you have your electrolytes balanced. If you cannot carry electrolytes drinks, you can carry some water and a banana. Bananas will give you enough potassium. Ensure you’re using enough salt. Impact of the heatwave on human body Hastak: A heat stroke can attack and damage the vital organs of the body as it can lead to swelling of the organs. Also, a lack of timely treatment can ultimately cause death. Thus, it is the need of the hour to treat the patient with heat stroke without any delay. Right from children to adults to senior citizens, everyone can get a heat stroke. Also Read: Maharashtra sunstroke tragedy: Death toll climbs to 14; seven still in hospital First aid for heatwave patients Hastak: It is essential to sponge the person with lukewarm water. Fan the person and even cool him/her down. Place cool wet towels on the neck, armpits, and groin of the person having a heat stroke. Cover the person with cool damp sheets without fail. Try to loosen the patient’s tight clothes, and give them an electrolyte drink to maintain the electrolyte balance. Ensure ample rest with legs slightly elevated, in a shaded area or in an air-conditioned room, or car. Heat exhaustion vs heat cramps Hastak: Heat exhaustion is seen when the body overheats. Symptoms that one may exhibit are sweating and a rapid pulse. Moreover, heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related illnesses, along with heat cramps which are mild. Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms that are seen during heavy exercise in hot environments and can be extremely painful. Heat cramps lead to dehydration, sweating, and high fever. How can school kids ensure safety from heatwaves? Dayani: Kids should wear loose cotton clothing. Their uniforms should be comfortable too. They should carry a hat because by the time school gets over it does get very warm. To protect them from direct sun exposure on their commute back home. They should carry an electrolyte drink from home because children have a very active lifestyle. Even a lemonade with some salt and sugar works beautifully for them. They should avoid playing in the sun and should walk in the shade. This should help them get protected from a heatwave. If anyone does however feel the symptoms of a heatwave, water should be sprayed immediately on the person’s face along with the application of a cold pack on their face, palms, or neck. An electrolyte drink should be consumed immediately too while sitting under a fan or in a cool atmosphere. Should you attend mass events? Hastak: It is better to avoid going to any events or functions during the afternoon from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm during the scorching heat, especially in hot humid conditions. One should stay indoors and be safe in an in-shade or air-conditioned place. Even if an event is being organized, avoid choosing open grounds or space. People attending the event should opt to wear caps, hats, or scarves. Also Read: Heatstroke in Mumbai: Doctor suggests handy tips to beat the heat
22 May,2023 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviAt 11.30 am, Sumati Ganesh Dingankar can’t take it anymore. She abandons her basket of fish placed on the corner-side of the footpath, and heads to the nearby juice vendor. There’s a wooden board above her basket, with four pomfret and a pair of boi; a pocket-sized umbrella has been left open next to a tiny stool, where she otherwise sits, calling out to passersby. But, today, the sun is beating down, making it impossible for the 52-year-old fishmonger to work. Those arriving at her makeshift dukaan on a footpath near Shrikant Palekar Marg in Chira Bazaar will have to wait. Dingankar has gone to buy herself a glass of ice-cold watermelon juice. She returns with two of them—one for her fishmonger friend, who is slicing a surmai thinly for a customer. Dingankar was among the unfortunate few who lost her stall—one that she claims was owned by three generations of her family—when the 150-year-old Chira Bazaar fish market was demolished for Metro 3 construction work. While the 100-odd fishmongers were promised an alternative space and rent, Dingankar’s husband passed away while negotiations were on. She didn’t find place on the rent roll of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. “I lost out on their monthly '10,000 stipend, due to which I can’t rent a space. Now, I am forced to sell fish on the streets,” she tells us. With no shade or roof overhead, selling fish in this apocalyptic heat is agonising. Sumati Ganesh Dingankar seen selling fish on Shrikant Palekar Marg in Chira Bazaar, on a weekday evening. She drinks watermelon juice to beat the heat. Pic/Ashish Raje Last week, the India Meteorological Department issued heatwave warnings for parts of Mumbai and Thane. While the Santa Cruz observatory recorded day-time temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius, in Thane it shot to 39.9. Humidity levels were also between 72 and 80 per cent. The worst-hit are those working on Mumbai’s streets. The vagaries of this merciless summer have left them vulnerable to cramps, exhaustion, dehydration and heat strokes. According to a World Bank report titled Climate Investment Opportunities in India’s Cooling Sector, which was released in December last year, “nearly 75 per cent of India’s workforce (or 380 million people) depend on heat-exposed labour, at times working in potentially life-threatening temperatures”. By 2030, the report states that “India may account for 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses from heat stress associated productivity decline”. Hand-cart puller Omprakash Yadav (third from left) parks his cart on the roadside, if and when the heat gets too intense. Pic/Sameer Markande Dr Anjal Prakash, Research Director at Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB and lead author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, says that because of climate change, heatwaves will be more common. “They are going to persist,” says Prakash, “and will be more and more unpredictable—that means we cannot plan [for them ahead of time]. Climate scientists, and policy makers in the government will have to work together to find solutions. The problem is that the current heat action plan is not consistent across states, and many of these are only on paper. The Central ministry will have to issue guidelines and advisories to the state, including working hours where people can avoid the heat, like the way it is done in the Middle East.” What worries him most is that labourers, small and independents vendors and those belonging to the lower socio-economic class “don’t have a voice in the process of policy-making... nobody bothers about them”. Dingankar, who takes cover below the awning of a jewellery shop, says though she is unable to bear the heat, she can’t miss a day of work as the only breadwinner at home. She picks up her fish from fisherwomen in Colaba before coming here daily at 8.30 am. “I leave at 1 in the afternoon... after lunch I go and do sweeping work in two homes. I return to the market at 6 pm, when it gets cooler.” To prevent spoilage, the fish is placed in a bucket of ice. “I only buy a limited quantity to sell for the day... nothing extra.” There’s always a cold water bottle handy, which she places on her head when she starts feeling dizzy. Otherwise, it is juices. “I barely make Rs 200-300 daily [by selling fish]. Pehle jaisa dhanda nahi raha. Nobody sits on the road out of choice.” Gateway of India photographer Akhilesh Pandey doesn’t step out without his sunglasses and cap. Pic/Sameer Markande On the crowded Sheikh Memon Street near Crawford Market, hand-cart pullers are visible by the dozen. Despite the peak afternoon heat, they refuse to stop moving their carts because it can lead to chaos on the narrow stretch where pedestrians and vehicles jostle for space. “Hume yaha rukna mana hai,” one of them informs us. In a narrow lane adjoining the road, we find a small group of haath-gaadi wallahs resting near their tarpaulin-wrapped cartons. Omprakash Yadav hails from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, and has been pulling hand-carts in the city for the last 30 years. “This year, the heat is very bad... aisa lagta hain ki badan jal jayega. Kabhi, kabhi, halat bahut kharaab ho jata hai,” he tells us. He hauls boxes holding imitation jewellery and clothes from Crawford Market to Masjid Bunder or Sandhurst Road stations from 10 am to 10 pm. “We circle the market at least 50 times daily,” he says. To prevent dehydration, he sips lemon juice or warm water. “Cold water is a strict no-no. It can cause cough and cold... none of us can afford falling sick and losing a day’s worth of pay.” Police naik Minaj Asif Khan, who spends nearly seven to eight hours on the road, keeps herself hydrated with water. Pic/Satej Shinde Thirty five-year-old Akhilesh Pandey, a Gateway of India photographer, has been lugging his DSLR since 8 in the morning. At 5 pm, the heat is still intense. “When the sun is overhead, I go and relax under a tree, splash some water on my face and drink nariyal paani,” says the resident of Badhwar Park Colaba, who is originally from Bihar. During tourist season, which is now, Pandey only takes a break once every 15 days. But, he has his gear to protect himself, he says: “I always wear a cap and sunglasses.” Apart from the black one that he is wearing, we see two different-coloured shades hooked onto his shirt. That’s for novelty, he smiles. In Kumbharwada, Dharavi, it’s not just the ongoing heatwave that’s burning the potter community. Having to fire the traditional mud bhattis (kiln) through the day to bake clay pots means an environment of unrelenting heat and smoke. “We are used to this,” says Haresh Shamji Singhadia, whose family has worked in bhattis for generations. “But in the summer, we do feel a lot of weakness; we try and avoid working in the afternoons or in direct sun,” he says. They, however, continue kindling the kiln with bales of cotton or wood through the day. “Upar ka dhoop or bhatti ka aag... bahut problem ho jata hai.” Singhadia and other bhatti workers drink a lot of chhaas and water. “We avoid eating oily or ‘heaty’ foods,” he says. Fish and vegetables are preferred over meats. “Many of us drink less tea, but I need a cup every hour or so,” he says, adding, that he hopes that they can someday switch to smoke-free bhattis. “It will make such conditions bearable,” he says. Thursday afternoon is a busy one for Police Naik Minaj Asif Khan. Just minutes before we meet her, she was on Bandra reclamation, attending to a high-profile cavalcade. Working in the Bandra traffic division, Khan, who is a national-level weightlifter, spends nearly seven hours on the road daily—it’s one of the busiest routes and sees a lot of VIP movement. The division works in two shifts—either 7 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 11 pm. “Mornings are exceptionally hot,” says the single mother to a nine-year-old daughter, “I have been working in the police force for the last 20 years, and I can tell you that this time the weather has been unusually bad. But we can’t complain. We have to be alert all the time, and heat cannot be an excuse.” All traffic police personnel have been given strict orders to stay constantly hydrated. Since heatwave alerts were issued, the department sends cartons of water bottles to the thana every day, she says. Khan, who doesn’t step out without a cap and shades, also keeps sunscreen at hand. “It’s another thing that I don’t get the time to apply it every hour,” she says, adding, “I have to focus on the road, not on my skin.”
21 May,2023 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Jane BorgesADVERTISEMENT
