MUMBAI: The state of Maharashtra is one of the worst-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in India. With the total number of cases rising exponentially in the state, the Government of Maharashtra announced that it will seal all Covid-19 hotspots in the state, including Dharavi.
With more than 14 people being tested positive for Covid-19 from Dharavi, authorities decided to shut down the urban slum fearing community transmission in the world’s third largest slum. Apart from this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) banned all unlicensed vegetable and fruit markets, hawkers and sellers at the containment areas in Dharavi to prevent further spread of the virus. Anyone caught buying from unlicensed sellers or vendors will be arrested. BMC has permitted the functioning of medical outlets in the sealed hotspots and has barred entry or exit of people from the containment zones. The corporation also said that it will soon begin door-to-door delivery of essentials in these areas.