Mumbai: Iqbal Singh Chahal takes charge as new BMC Commissioner as city battles COVID-19

Amid Coronavirus battle, Iqbal Singh Chahal took charge as new Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner on Friday. According to reports, previous commissioner Pravin Pardeshi has been transferred to Urban Development department as Additional Chief Secretary.

Chahal is a 1989 batch IAS of Maharashtra Cadre. He has served at Centre during UPA government on deputation.  

BMC reduces working strength 

On Friday,   Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) directed only 75% of its staff to report for work in Mumbai amid rising number of vel coronavirus cases. April 30 order which mandated compulsory attendance for all employees has been amended. Initially, BMC was working at 50% strength.

As per Public Health Department of BMC, more Coronavirus Care Centres would be set up in next 15 days. It added that quarantine facilities are being developed at Mahalaxmi Race Course, Nehru Science Centre, BKC MMRDA ground, Mahim Nature Park and NESCO ground where asymptomatic positive COVID-19 patients from highly dense slum pockets will be kept. 

Read: Amid rise in Mumbai's COVID-19 cases, BMC directs only 75% staff to report for work

Sanjay Nirupam blames ego clashes

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on Friday took to Twitter and blamed ego clashes between two officers for transfer of BMC Commissioner. He furr drew a link between Pardeshi's decision to open liquor shops in city and transfer.

Read: Coronavirus: UP CM calls pandemic an 'eye-opener', lauds PM Modi for quick action

COVID-19 in India

According to latest update from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, number of total Coronavirus cases in country has climbed to 56,342, including 37,916 active cases. While 1,886 deaths have been reported overall, around 16,540 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Gujarat have highest number of cases in country. 

Read: Mumbai: BMC arranges over 3,000 rooms in 88 hotels to quarantine evacuees

Read: BMC amends ar order on closure of n-essentials, w allows hardware shops to reopen

(With ANI Inputs)

Im Source: ANI