State mediates the issue between Mumbai and MMR civic bodies

In a major development in the tussle between the city and its extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the state government has finally stepped in to mediate the issue between the two. Municipal corporations on the outskirts of Mumbai had identified the residents working as essential workers in Mumbai as the main source of spread of COVID-19 infection in their jurisdictions. The municipal corporations demanded the accommodation of the workers by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as they sought a temporary ban on their travel between Mumbai and MMR.

On Tuesday, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) had issued a circular sealing the borders of Kalyan-Dombivli area and denying entry or exit to local residents employed for essential services from May 8. However, the civic body put the decision on hold after intervention from local politicians. 

The KDMC stated that of its 224 cases, 101 were essential workers who travel to Mumbai or their family members. While the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation had not put a hold on its decision earlier, the civic body stayed it on Thursday. 

As the row drove a wedge between MMR and Mumbai, the state government had t intervene and the issue was discussed in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Mumbai City Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh said that the state government and BMC are ready to make arrangement for all essential workers who want to stay in Mumbai voluntarily.

However, he argued that a travel ban is not acceptable and those who want to stay in Mumbai will be accommodated by the BMC. Reiterating the same, Thane Guardian Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde said that no travel ban will be imposed without consulting proper authorities.

Municipal corporations in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar, and Ulhaasnagar sought arrangements for the worker should be made to stay in Mumbai till the crisis is dealt with. However, the BMC called the suggestion, 'discriminatory' and violative of Centre's guidelines for the protection of health workers and essential workers.