Lockdown tightened in Dharavi

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, April 9

The supply of essential items, including grocery and vegetables, has been halted in Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, as the number of Covid-19 cases has surged in the shantytown.

‘Complete shutdown needed’

“We are concerned about densely population areas, such as Mumbai and its neighbouring areas, where markets attract huge crowds. A complete lockdown for some time is necessary to stop the pandemic from spreading — Balasaheb Thorat, Maharashtra Revenue Minister

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MC), the entire slum cluster has been completely shut down as people were coming out in large numbers to shop for essential items. The civic body would arrange supply of essentials to residents, the MC announced today.

The slum has so far reported 14 Covid positive cases, including three fatalities. A 70-year-old woman undergoing treatment at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai passed away today, making it the third fatality from the area.

Officials said imposing social distancing in the slum was difficult as people were regularly coming out and gathering outside.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said 1,297 people had been tested positive in the state. Of the 162 new cases detected today, 143 were from Mumbai, he said.