As coronavirus cases continue to see a dip in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has paused its plans to construct another jumbo COVID-19 treatment centre at Mahalaxmi Race Course.
It’s worth pointing out that the civic body decided to build the new centre at the same location as the COVID centre that was closed down late last year. But the drop in COVID-19 cases in Mumbai has meant that the plan has been put on hold.
While the BMC had sent out tenders for this jumbo centre, it also sought funds via the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan, though corporates were reportedly hesitant towards the cause owing to the cost. The civic body was planning to spend at least ₹45 crores on the new centre with 250 oxygen beds, 200 ICU beds, and a triage area.
Read - BMC Will Bring Back Jumbo COVID Centre At Mahalaxmi Race Course To Combat New Surge
Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Sanjeev Jaiswal clarified that plans for this site hasn’t been dropped but merely paused. “The plan has not been dropped but just kept on hold for sometime. Also, since the costing is high, it can’t be done under CSR,” he said.
The opposition has criticized the BMC for lack of planning as well as the steep cost of ₹45 crores, particularly since the previous centre was removed only six months ago.
“Even if it is CSR funds, it was money meant for the public. This shows lack of planning and poor coordination by the BMC. By the time the new centre is ready, it may not be needed again,” BJP corporator Vinod Mishra said.
Also read - COVID-19: Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Starts Door-To-Door Vaccinations Using Civic Buses
Share
Tweet
