Mumbai: BMC converts MMRDA grounds in BKC into wholesale market that operates at night

In wake of Coronavirus outbreak in Maharashtra, MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority) Grounds in Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai have been converted into a wholesale market that operates from 10 pm at night to 6 am in morning. According to media reports, decision was taken by government and Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) after APMC’s main wholesale market in Vashi was shut down as a trer tested positive for Coronavirus.

Big markets temporarily closed in Mumbai

This move of supplying agriculture produce directly into city could help ease price pressures on vegetables as Vashi APMC market was primary supplier of agriculture produce to Mumbai metropolitan region. Several or big markets in city have been temporarily shifted to or places to practise social distancing. 

BMC has shut Dar market and shifted it to various locations in city and, as of w, new markets are being held at Somaiya Ground, Sion; MMRDA's exhibition ground, BKC; Octroi Naka, Mulund; and Octroi Naka, Dahisar.

Meanwhile, wholesale markets within APMC, Vashi, will reopen from Wednesday with certain restrictions, including entry to retail buyers.  regulations issued by APMC direct that a distance of at least one metre be maintained while loing and unloing produce.

Coronavirus crisis in Maharashtra

number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra on Monday crossed 2000-mark, with 352 more people, including 242 from Mumbai, testing positive for vel coronavirus infection, a Health department official said. While number of total cases has gone up to 2334, COVID-19 death toll increased to 160 with 11 more people succumbing to infection on Monday.

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tably, Maharashtra h crossed 1000-mark of COVID-19 cases on April 7. country's financial capital w alone accounts for 1540 COVID-19 cases and 101 deaths, he said. Across state, a total of 229 people have so far been discharged from hospitals after recovering from viral infection.

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11 fresh deaths were reported from worst-hit Mumbai (9) while one death each was reported from Mira-Bhayandar region near Mumbai and Pimpri Chinchw near Pune, official said. Among 11 deceased, eight patients were suffering from diabetes, asthma and heart disease, he ded.

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According to update of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, total number of COVID-19 cases in country reached 9,352 on Monday.

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(With PTI inputs)