Coronavirus Update: NMMC recovers over INR 22 lakhs in 15 days for violating rules

According to the latest report revealed by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), the civic body has collected over INR 22 lakhs fine for violating COVID-19 norms in the last two weeks.

It has come to light that since July 10, 31 special vigilance teams, as well as eight divisional office-level vigilance teams, jointly have taken action against 2,442 persons for not wearing masks, not maintaining social distancing and spitting in public places. In addition, a few shops and establishments were found operating after the stipulated time and thus they were fined.

A total fine of INR 22,88,300 has been recovered from them. Moreover, the civic body took action against the House of Lords Pub in Vashi for operating till late at night and also fined INR 50,000.

Besides, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the special squad, which is formed to ensure COVID-related norms are followed in the city, collected over INR 3.5 crores.

From April 2020, the NMMC has already recovered INR 3,56,59,150 from 70,583 persons/establishments for violating rules. This includes INR 1,50,18,000 fines from 29,943 persons for not wearing masks, while INR 1,16,44,900 from 2,804 establishments for violating safe distance and time rules. Meanwhile, INR 78,56,650 from 36,776 persons for violating safe distance rules and INR 11 lakhs from 1,160 persons for spitting in public places, said the official.

The Navi Mumbai city falls under Level 3 of restrictions as per the 'Level of Restriction of Safe Maharashtra' order issued by the Government of Maharashtra to prevent the outbreak of coronavirus. Accordingly, shops and establishments are allowed to continue till 4 pm.

As per the latest rules, if shops/establishments keep operating after 4 pm on Monday to Friday, a penalty of INR 10,000 will be levied for the first time. Similarly, in case of violation of the rules for the second time, the establishment will be closed for 7 days. However, in case of violation of the rules for the third time, it is clearly stated that the establishment will be closed till the notification of the epidemic expires.