Uddhav Thackeray in his address to the state on November 8 had warned the citizens regarding the second wave of COVID-19. He had urged people to continue to be cautious and follow social distancing protocols at all times. Now, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) too will be intensifying their action against those not wearing masks in the public places.
BMC has decided to increase marshals by three times and will station more staff in crowded areas to monitor and regulate people. At present, there are 514 marshals.
On Monday, Civic chief Iqbal Chahal held a video-conference with senior officials, including ward officers, emphasising the need to avoid a second wave. He said that a second lockdown was not a choice and mandated precautions must be followed. He pointed out that the world was anticipating a second wave and other cities in the country were witnessing a rise in cases.
The joint commissioner of police (law & order) also attended the meeting. Assistant municipal commissioners have been directed to ensure coordination with local police and political leaders.
Chahal appealed to people to avoid crowded areas for Diwali shopping, shop during non-peak hours and, if possible, to avoid visits to relatives and friends during Diwali.
Government Railway Police (GRP) and BMC collectively registered 371 cases against commuters for not wearing masks on railway property between November 3 to November 8. Over Rs 87,000 was collected in fines.
BMC has been filing more cases than the police, data has shown. GRP recorded three cases and BMC 368. Some FOBs and areas outside railway stations come under BMC jurisdiction.