Although the number of active COVID-19 cases is witnessing a downfall in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has continued its action against the citizens who are seen without masks at public places.
According to reports, till December 23, action was taken against more than 8.20 lakh people. Since April, the corporation has collected more than ₹16.76 crores as fine from those who walk without a cover. Out of this, action has been taken against 1.37 lakh citizens in the last 10 days.
The civic body had started collecting fines from citizens that venture out without masks from April. Initially, a fine of ₹1,000 was being levied. But later it was brought down to ₹200. BMC also distributed free masks to spread awareness. However, as people are still walking in public places without masks, the Municipal Corporation has started taking action against such people more strictly.
Due to the reduction in the number of coronavirus patients, people have started taking this pandemic lightly. In addition, with festivals such as Christmas, New Year's Eve being celebrated, the municipality has tightened its campaign.
Municipal Corporation's 'K-West' division office took most action in Andheri, Jogeshwari West as a fine of ₹11.35 lakh was collected from more than 54,000 citizens. Besides, in Kurla area, the 'L' department took action against 47,647 people and recovered a fine of ₹9.69 lakh. Meanwhile, a fine of ₹9.63 has been collected from 47,472 people from Andheri, Jogeshwari East in Kurla (East).
Apart from that, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) company has removed the usual advertisements on the side panels of its buses and carries the message ‘Mask nahi, pravesh nahi’ (No mask, no entry’) now. Bus conductors and drivers have the power to refuse entry to passengers not wearing masks.
Earlier, the Maharashtra government imposed a night curfew till January 5, 2021 between 11 pm to 6 am, in the wake of new coronavirus strain in the UK and other countries.
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