Mumbai: Even as the BMC pushes ahead with its ambitious Rs 12,000-crore plan to turn the city pothole-free, it is already lining up the next phase of road concretisation.Civic sources said the next phase of works is approximately pegged at an additional Rs 2,500 crore, triggering sharp political pushback over timing and execution.Officials said estimates for the new phase are still being worked out, but the expansion comes at a time when parts of the ongoing works are still incomplete. The mega project, initiated under directions from former chief minister and existing deputy CM Eknath Shinde, aims to replace Mumbai’s entire 2,050-km road network of asphalt and paver blocks with durable concrete surfaces. “We have been asked to work on preparing the estimates; however, none of these works will begin so soon as we are still in the process of identifying the roads that need to be concretised,” said a civic official.So far, the project has been rolled out in two phases. Phase I saw 698 roads (324km) being taken up in Jan 2023, while Phase II proposes 1,420 roads spanning 377km. Civic officials maintain all works are on track for completion before next monsoon.On the ground, however, the picture is more complicated. Opposition leaders argue that the rush to expand the project is premature and risks compounding existing coordination failures. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh flagged repeated instances of freshly concretised roads being dug up within days. “Inter-departmental clearances are not being properly coordinated. Roads are being concretised and then reopened for other works almost immediately,” he said, pointing to a recent case where a part of St Andrew’s Road outside Bandra Gymkhana in Bandra West was dug up once again, much to the dismay of local residents. This road was recently concretised and a portion was dug up again for upgradation of the Chimbai pumping station, involving micro-tunnelling, and the dug-up section is meant for the construction of a chamber.Over 1,333km of roads have been concretised so far, including major arteries such as Aarey Road, Andheri-Kurla Link Road, Narayan Dabholkar Marg, and stretches connecting Navy Nagar to Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg.The project has also run into controversy over alleged irregularities in upcoming tenders. BJP party executive member Vivekanand Gupta, in a post on X, claimed that a Rs 3,200-crore tender for roads in western suburbs could favour a specific contractor, calling it a “big scam”.

Mumbai: The Centre on Tuesday issued circulars to petrol pumps across the state, granting a one-month temporary permission to store superior kerosene in barrels on their premises, subject to strict safety conditions and operational restrictions. The move follows food, civil supplies and consumer protection minister Chhagan Bhujbal’s announcement a day earlier on steps being taken to ease pressure on fuel availability and essential supplies.In the legislative assembly, he said, “Some ships were blocked due to the international situation; however, some ships have been released and have reached Mumbai, Kandla and Kochi. The Centre is trying to increase fuel supply from countries like Russia, Iran etc. The situation is expected to improve soon. It may take 8 to 10 days for the entire process to be completed after the ships arrive. Till then, priority is being given to domestic gas, hospitals and educational institutions. While some big hotels are finding it difficult to use alternative fuels, other restaurants have started using coal and kerosene,” Bhujbal said. Seeking to calm fears over fuel availability, Bhujbal said petrol and diesel stocks were adequate and there was no hike in rates.He added that the Centre had directed refineries to maximise domestic LPG production by using butane and propane, increasing output from 9,000 metric tonnes to 11,000 metric tonnes. The state govt, he said, had also stepped up refill supplies of domestic LPG cylinders and reduced waiting time, bringing relief to households affected by recent disruptions. Officials said the situation had eased to some extent, with priority now being given to domestic consumers and essential services.Referring to the Hormuz Strait situation, Bhujbal said Iran had indicated that only “enemy ships” would be stopped and India expected its vessels to pass through safely. This, he said, should help reduce the gas crisis. He also noted that India was procuring petroleum products from Russia to cushion the impact. In view of the special circumstances, the govt has decided to expand kerosene distribution across the state.“There has been no increase in the price of petrol and diesel at present. It is not certain whether there will be an increase in the future, but it is expected that there should be no increase.” Twenty per cent ethanol blend is currently in effect.He said vigilance squads have conducted 2,129 raids and seized 1,208 LPG cylinders. Twenty-three cases have been registered and 18 people have been arrested, Bhujbal said. Bhujbal said efforts are underway to smoothen the kerosene supply chain and supply it through available kerosene dealers. Bhujbal said instructions have been given for the distribution of commercial gas to those providing essential services.The Centre’s directive said that a kerosene storage shed cannot be built above underground petroleum tanks and must be at least 6 metres from dispensers, 4 metres from underground tank vent points and 3 metres from fill points. The storage area must be segregated with suitable barricading. Drums and barrels are to be opened only when necessary for drawing fuel, with all precautions taken to prevent leakage, vapour escape, fire or explosion. “The directive states that flameproof electrical fittings, motors and pumps must be used, while mobile phones and any ignition sources are barred from hazardous areas. Licensees have been asked to maintain daily records of receipts and issues of kerosene and produce them for inspection on demand,” an official added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has raised concerns over possible government interference after the Bangladesh sports ministry formed an investigation committee to examine last year’s board elections.The sports ministry appointed a five-member panel, giving it 15 working days starting March 11 to investigate allegations of “irregularities, manipulation and abuse of power” in the election that resulted in Aminul Islam becoming the BCB president.

However, the cricket board has warned that such actions could raise governance concerns within international cricket.“In this context, the matter has been informally referenced in discussions with senior representatives of the ICC leadership,” the BCB said in a statement.

“It was indicated that developments which could be interpreted as interference in the affairs of a democratically elected cricket board may raise governance concerns within the international cricket framework.”

BCB seeks clarification from sports ministry

The BCB stated that it plans to first seek clarification from the National Sports Council regarding the purpose and implications of the government’s decision before considering any formal communication with the International Cricket Council (ICC).“Given the potential implications for Bangladesh cricket at the international level, the BCB considers it important to address this matter with due care and transparency,” the board said.“Before initiating any formal communication or proceedings with the ICC, the BCB believes it is appropriate to engage directly with the National Sports Council to seek clarification regarding the context, intent, and possible implications of the gazette.”The board also urged authorities to reconsider the investigation.“Accordingly, the BCB has requested the National Sports Council to close this matter in a manner that safeguards the stability, independence, and continued progress of Bangladesh cricket, while also ensuring that the country’s standing within the international cricket community remains fully protected.”

Controversy surrounding the elections

The BCB elections have been surrounded by controversy since they were held last year. Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal withdrew from the election midway, citing concerns over alleged government interference. Questions were also raised soon after the results were announced when the sports ministry had to withdraw its nominated BCB director following revelations about his past political connections on social media.Further tensions emerged when a large group of Dhaka-based cricket clubs, which represent Category-2 voters in BCB elections, declared the current board of directors illegal. The same group also boycotted the 2025-26 Dhaka league season, deepening the governance crisis in Bangladesh cricket.

Mumbai: The BMC has once again failed to attract any bidders for the desilting of the Mithi river, despite extending the tender deadline.The civic body floated a tender on Feb 28, inviting contractors to undertake desilting of the Mithi. While the original deadline for bids was March 11, it was extended to March 17 in an attempt to draw interested parties. However, officials confirmed that not a single bid has been received even after the extension.Sources within the administration said the deadline may now be pushed further by another week. “If this continues, the work may have to be carried out departmentally,” an official said.The issue was recently flagged at a high-level meeting attended by mayor Ritu Tawde, deputy mayor Sanjay Ghadi, leader of the house Ganesh Khankar, standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde and civic officials. Political leaders have asked the administration to be prepared with a backup plan if contractors continue to stay away.The BMC is even considering allowing contractors without prior desilting experience to participate—an indication of the urgency and limited interest in the project. Officials admitted they have informally reached out to contractors capable of executing the work, but have received no positive response.The proposed desilting is to be carried out in three phases, covering the stretch from Filter Pada to Mahim Creek—work considered critical to prevent flooding during the monsoon.Concerns over poor response surfaced even when the tender was first floated. Last year, contractors abandoned the work midway, and since then, no new players from Mumbai, Thane, or Navi Mumbai have shown willingness to take up the project.Civic officials also pointed out that desilting has increasingly become a politically sensitive and closely scrutinised activity. With elected representatives now actively involved, the pressure on timely execution is expected to be significantly higher this monsoon.Last year, of the three companies awarded a two-year contract for desilting Mithi, two failed to complete the work after getting embroiled in corruption cases and with the arrest of contractors and civic officials. The BMC subsequently foreclosed the contract, blacklisted all three firms, and terminated their contracts, leaving the river-cleaning exercise in limbo.

Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers has said MS Dhoni should bat higher in the order for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming IPL, saying that his current position lower down does not maximise his role.Dhoni, 44, will play for CSK when the season begins on March 28. De Villiers said Dhoni’s recent trend of batting at No. 8 or 9 limits his impact.

Touching on Dhoni’s role in CSK, De Villiers said, “It’s very tricky and not straightforward. Brands are built over years, and CSK have built this empire over many years with this MS Dhoni figure that’s always been there. When you mention CSK, you immediately think of Dhoni.”“I feel that in the last few years, his role has purely been about keeping that brand as strong as possible. That’s why I don’t see a role for him batting at eight or nine and not really doing enough, like last season,” De Villiers said, as cited by news agency PTI.“We know he can be impactful with the bat, but if he’s batting that low and not captaining, it feels like he’s almost just making up for a spot for the wrong reasons. There’s still a place for him, but he needs to bat higher, at least at six, maybe even at five or four at times.”The former South Africa captain said Dhoni should step aside if he comes to bat below number 6. “I dofeel Rutaraj and Sanju are the perfect players to take over from MS (Dhoni). My only issue is where MS fits in and if he’s not going to have that big impact batting at 4, 5, 6 sometimes, then rather be out of the squad,” De Villiers said, adding, “Let someone else, that can maybe bowl and bat and have a bigger impact in the game,to come in there and then MS can almost sit on the side as a mentor and still guide the guys.“De Villiers also said, “It’s a tricky situation, but Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over, and credit to Dhoni because he’s hung around, waiting for the right person to come. If MS plays, I want him to put himself under more pressure and be the guy to handle those big moments.”CSK traded in Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction as part of their plans for the future.