The BMC has decided to seal entire areas rather than small pockets with a couple of houses in K West ward because the number of containment zones increased here. This includes seven slum pockets with a complete of 1,21,780 people. It's also decided to erect towers for better management of the CZs within the ward. The towers will come up within two-three days and can have a public address system for communication.
As the number of Containment zones in K West ward increased from 59 on April 19 to 255 on May 9, the ward officer decided to seal whole areas rather than small pockets of fifty to 100 houses. Out of the 255 Containment Zones about 73 falls under the slum pockets, so now these areas are going to be completely sealed for a minimum of 14 days alongside Juhu Koliwada, where only two cases are reported. "The aim is to watch and manage the world with less positive patients," said Vishwas Mote, assistant commissioner of K west ward. The BMC will erect the watchtowers as an invitation has come from the police for the effective management of crowds in small gullies of slums.
The BMC on Monday sealed seven slum pockets with a complete of 1,21,780 people because the number of COVID-19 patients was gradually increasing in K West ward. These slum pockets include - Nehru Nagar, Versova, Anand Nagar, Gaondevi Dongri (Gilbert Hill), Juhu Koliwada, Junaid Nagar/Samata Nagar, and Juhu Galli. The ward also comprises Vile Parle West, Andheri West, and Jogeshwari west.
The BMC will supply milk and medicines as essentials. People are hopeful the watchtowers will make a difference. The watchtowers are going to be helpful to stay a watch on everyone.
Apart from the watchtowers, as per the municipal commissioner’s instructions, one dedicated team has been appointed for every sealed area, and it's authorised to require necessary decisions. Essential services are going to be coordinated through this team with the participation of local volunteers and therefore the community.