Night Curfew in Mumbai on New Year's Eve

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday, December 12, said that it would impose night curfew to ensure the positivity rate continues to fall and the number of new cases remains in control during Christmas and New Year.

It is observed that every year, on the occasion of New Year eve, celebrated on December 31, Mumbaikars go out in the night and party. They either go out to celebrate with their family and friends. Many also burn firecrackers to mark this occasion. Nightclubs, pubs, bars, restaurants are also seen to be overcrowded. Some Mumbaikars also gather in areas like Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Gateway of India to ring in the New Year.

However, in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, there might be restrictions on celebrating and gathering at public places on the night of December 31, this year. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation and police administration have decided to be very vigilant in this regard.

In addition, a raid on some night clubs revealed that the COVID-19 rules were being violated at these places. Hence, the BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has requested the Maharashtra government to impose night curfew between 11 pm and 6 am in the city, after it found many night clubs violating the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, and operating till 4 am on weekends.

Besides, the civic body has decided to pay attention to the crowds in hotels, pubs and night clubs. BMC would soon lay down strict guidelines in this regards. 

According to reports, 24 squads would be formed for each division. The officials will be raiding as soon as there is will be a report of overcrowding at any public places. The power to conduct raids will be vested in the Municipal Assistant Commissioner. There will be two teams working in each department -- a health officer, a firefighter, and a security officer -- to keep a check whether the guidelines are being implemented. If anyone is found violating the norms, strict action will be taken by the Municipal Corporation.

All assistant commissioners of the 24 wards in Mumbai have now been asked to randomly raid night clubs in the city on weekends starting this week. Presently, restaurants, eateries, bars and pubs in the city are open till 11.30 pm, according to BMC’s unlock plans. Section 144 is still imposed in the city—it was first imposed at the start of lockdown in March.