Mumbai Unlock: Parks, beaches open, but no call on zoo yet

Children play at a park in Five Gardens, Dadar on Monday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Easing the Covid-related restrictions somewhat, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday allowed gardens, playgrounds and beaches to remain open till 10 pm. Restrictions on visiting open places had come into force when the second wave hit the city earlier this year.

In a circular issued on Sunday, the civic body decided to continue with the state government's August 11 orders where malls and restaurants were allowed to operate till 10 pm. The order also empowered the civic body to decide on opening gardens and beaches and as such, they will be accessible from 6 am to 10 pm.

In all, 860 parks, 318 grounds, and beaches in Mumbai are being opened, said Additional Municipal Commissioner (East Suburbs) Ashwini Bhide and Gardens Superintendent Jitendra Pardeshi. However, no decision has been made on Byculla Zoo.

Also read: Covid-19: Maharashtra confirms 10 more Delta Plus cases

BMC's appeal to citizens

The move is part of the ‘Break the Chain' measures to restore public life in the city. Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal appealed to citizens to cooperate by following Covid-19 protocols while using public places. However, the last time the beaches were opened up, the crowding had prompted the civic administration to prohibit access as soon as the second wave hit.

"It is important to maintain a safe distance in public places without crowding. In addition, everyone must wear a mask.

Regular hand hygiene with disinfectant or soap and water is also beneficial. Therefore, citizens are being appealed to cooperate with the municipal administration by following all these rules properly. Violations of the Covid Prevention Directive will result in legal action," reiterated a press statement issued by the civic body.

Random testing

With the lifting of a majority of restrictions, municipal wards have been told to increase testing to keep the infection in check. Since not many are aware of the reopening, crowds were minimal on Monday. Ward offices, however, are to not take chances and will conduct random testing.

Under-18s can show Aadhaar, PAN, college ID

After making full vaccination compulsory for allowing staff to work and patrons to enter shopping malls, the government came up with a solution on Monday to save the under-18 population from hassles they could face because of lack of Covid vaccination. This particular age group has been advised to carry any government issued ID like PAN, Aadhaar or school/college ID card bearing the date of birth. Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte said in a notification that since the under-18 population has not been vaccinated yet, a revised clause has been added to the unlock guidelines pertaining to shopping malls which will remain open till 10 pm. He reiterated a mandatory condition that the staff and the patrons would be allowed 14 days after taking the second jab.

BMC additional commissioner Kakani gets Covid

Suresh Kakani, the backbone of Mumbai's preparation against Covid-19, has been infected with the virus and is being treated at a civic-run hospital. The additional commissioner of the BMC and in-charge of health, is continuing to monitor the situation in the city from his hospital bed for now. Kakani tested positive after exhibiting mild symptoms last Thursday. He was admitted to SevenHills Hospital on Friday. His condition is currently stable. Kakani told mid-day, "I am feeling much better now and there is nothing to worry about."

11
Day in August the state govt issued orders on relaxations