BMC preps to control crowd during Diwali; officials to take strict action against citizens flouting norms

Coronavirus cases in the state of Maharashtra have declined significantly, however, with an aim to ensure safety and precations, the government directed the citizens to celebrate festivals in a simple manner. Civic bodies have been asked to follow the same and spread awareness, and make sure people do not form groups or crowd across Mumbai.

A few months back, associations and private bodies had decided not to celebrate Ganeshotsav and Navratri. Despite that, these festivals were celebrated by some people and the government states that the number of coronavirus patients in Mumbai had increased significantly post the festivities. 

Keeping the pattern in mind, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state government have once again appealed not to people on the occasion of Diwali. Officials have said that since there is no medication available for coronavirus infection, one has to wear a mask, wash hands, maintain cleanliness and social distancing at all times. Despite having repeated these instructions several times, citizens have not been following the rules.

People are crowding at the markets for Diwali shopping and are walking in public places without masks. Observing this, Mumbai's Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has directed the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners to increase the number of staff and teams, thereby take strict action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the commissioner also directed the police to take timely help to control the crowd.

Municipal officials are concerned that the crowd could pose danger in these times and have been wondering about the steps which need to be implemented to control them at the markets. A majority of citizens who come for shopping do not use masks, and it has been observed that some people do not wear them properly.

COVID-19 infection is likely to spread further if precautions aren't taken and hence, Chahal has ordered the authorities to take punitive action. Following are the instructions issued by the Commissioner.

• The number of staff taking actual action to be increased, and officers from other departments of the municipality to be appointed as divisional officers.
• Crowded locations should be identified and action squads should be deployed
• Officials to regularly conduct checks on crowded places, thereby prevent the spread of infection and seek the help of police to control the same in a timely manner.
• The help of social organizations and people representatives should be sought for public awareness.
• Regional Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners at the Divisional Offices should strictly abide by the above orders as a matter of priority.