On Wednesday, March 31, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal clarified that lockdown is less likely to be imposed in Mumbai. This is in view of the existing norms and SOPs that have been introduced to contain the spread of COVID-19.
According to reports, there has been a sharp surge in coronavirus cases in Mumbai and the active cases have crossed 50,000 cases per day.
In an interview with CNBC-TV, Chahal said that if things go from bad to worse, then we will have to take additional steps. With existing SOPs, lockdown looks less likely. He mentioned that with the current curbs, there is no need to resort to a lockdown.
He also stated that there are no instructions to stop the local train as of now but the situation will be reviewed in 15 days. “We cannot lower our guard and need to be cautious. We want to curb crowding of people,” Chahal said in an interview.
The BMC chief said that they could consider graded restrictions on markets if the situation worsens. The concept of lockdown must be avoided. Poor people suffer during a lockdown. No one takes pleasure in a lockdown, he said.
Chahal said that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray holds regular review meetings on the COVID-19 situation in Mumbai. And he has already said that he doesn't want lockdown at all. The Chief Minister has made it clear that lockdown is not a solution and has issued instructions that there should be no localised lockdown without his approval.
On the other hand, Thackeray has directed the administration to draw up a roadmap for a second lockdown, a move that drew opposition from his own alliance partner, NCP, not to mention angry voices in BJP who warned of public protests. A decision is likely to be taken on April 2 after a review.
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