The virus impact is severe in Mumbai

The Covid 19, originated in Wuhan, became a global phenomenon now. When it was detected, first in Kerala on 30th January 2020, many fear stricken Mumbaikars thought, what will be the fate of this metropolis once the killer virus makes an entry here. The Health Minister of Kerala deserves praise for her timely action in containing this virus there. The number of cases in Maharashtra increasing alarmingly day by day. The virus cases in both the States during initial stage viz March, April 2020 were almost same, but the graphic stake of virus thereafter successfully bent down in Kerala.

There are several reasons for dramatic increase of cases in Mumbai, now reached to 25500 (nearly one forth of the total cases of the country). To sum up in short, densely populated pockets of unhygienic slums. Of the 2.2 crore population in island city, forty two per cent people are staying in slums. Unlike in other States, over 1200 police constables, Sub Inspectors on duty, died due to the virus in Mumbai and suburbs. As virus also affected front line health workers, many private hospitals have to seal down for quarantine, sanitization purpose during early April. Inspite of alarming increase of the virus, except Kasturba epidemic hospital, no other hospital in Mumbai is exclusively converted for treatment of the patients till today.

It is reported, due to lack of coordination, ambulances carrying patients runs from one Municipal hospital to other due to non availability of beds for treatment. Instances also came to media that Covid dead bodies in hospitals, wrapped and kept near patients' beds for hours due to lack of space in mortuary and shortage of maintenance staff ! To add to these owes, lack of coordination and ego element at beuracracy level is also putting brakes to timely remedial action in containment areas. There is lack of unanimity with State and local Municipal administration. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner was recently replaced due to the tussle between him and the State Chief Secretary. To stream line and smooth handling of positive cases, the metropolis is now divided into seven zones headed by an each IAS rank officer for this task, but the desired results yet tobe seen. While the cases are fast increasing, as a solace, the so-called Green, Yellow and Red zones are now conveniently converted as just Red and Non Red Zones in Mumbai. Having distressed with 60 days lockdown, people refuse to stay in homes for long. It is not known how long the suburban local trains, (life line of Mumbaikars) will be back on tracks. If it restarts, the virus cases and fatality rate in Mumbai is unthinkable, as social distance will be thrown into winds in trains. The present sorry state of affairs in Mumbai now reminds one, is this city moving on the line of Wuhan of China?

Govardhan R Jilla, Mumbai