Mumbai still doesn't like masks: BMC data

BMC`s clean-up marshals fine people who are not wearing a mask, at Marine Drive on December 17. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Even though the clean-up marshals have been meeting about 55-60 per cent of the BMC's daily target of fine collection from people found mask-less in public places, the city has seen a consistent increase in the number of people penalised. In two months, the number of people fined has more than doubled.

Target of 24,000

The BMC had set a target - fine 24,000 masks-less people daily. Even with the city on way to normalcy with trains resuming for all, the civic body has not yet achieved that target. Many people still go out without a mask. But civic officials say as long as the number of COVID-19 cases is under control, there is no reason to panic.
The drive that started in September picked up pace in October, and was implemented aggressively in November, soon after Diwali. There was a fear that the number might drop, but the BMC has managed to maintain the upward trend.

Fear of rise in cases

Civic officials said that apart from aggressive testing, fine is the only way to ensure people strictly follow all precautions. With people getting access to local
trains, the numbers are likely to go up, said sources. Keeping this in mind, the BMC has instructed the clean-up marshals to be more vigilant, especially outside stations and market places.

On Wednesday (February 10) alone, about Rs 29.33 crore was collected from over 14.48 lakh violators. On the same date in January and December, the BMC had collected Rs 21.44 crore and Rs 13.24 crore, respectively.

Most number of violators in the city were in the K West ward, comprising Andheri, Jogeshwari and Vile Parle, at 1,00,397, followed by K East ward at 90,398. S ward (Bhandup) with 80,923 was the third highest, followed by L ward at 79,630, and R South ward comprising Kandivli East and West at 71,605.

A civic official said, "Even though the COVID-19 cases are in control, citizens should not let their guard down. It is necessary to continue this vigil by clean-up marshals, as this will keep the spread of virus under control."

Rs 200
Fine being collected from each mask-less person