Mumbai: Metro II is still to get a bidder, but Mumbai Transformation Support Unit (MTSU) is thinking of a pilot station that will have a 'circle of influence'.

The 'circle' concept involves an area of 500 sqm around metro stations that is developed as business hubs. And the government gives out incentives such as higher FSI for this.

Nashik: A sudden hour-long hailstorm on Sunday destroyed grape crop worth Rs60 crore across 5,000 acres in the northeastern parts of the state's vine district of Nashik. The hail also damaged wheat and vegetables.

MUMBAI: If you are a fish-eater, it might be a good idea to check if your catch comes from Versova. Mackerel and pomfret from Versova docks were found to be laced with unusually high quantities of mercury when fish from four Mumbai docks were tested by a local environmental medicine institute. Fish from other docks in the city have, however, been declared "safe'' to eat.

Mumbai: Fifty-two students including eight from Mumbai have been chosen as Indian ambassadors to the International Climate Champions 2009 programme. It is a youth-oriented programme that aims

NITIN PATH.
PUNE, MARCH 15

THE untimely showers on Friday that brought a breather from the soaring mercury has given rise to fears in Konkan region, including Ratnagiri district which is home to the famous Alphonso variety, that the rain may harm the mango crop.

For people along the Bhima river in Maharashtra, illegal mining is an old story (see

Maharashtra plans industries in its tourist spots The Maharashtra government has invited companies to set up industries in a district, which it declared eco-sensitive 12 years ago. On January 2, the government passed a resolution allowing thermal power plants, renewable energy projects, mining and stone crushers in the coastal district of Sindhudurg. The district with its backwaters,

Organic farmer in Vidarbha turns mud into durable houses He trained to be an engineer. He believes in Sarvodaya, the