The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) fined more than 150 people at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi and collected over Rs 62,000 fines for violating COVID-19 norms during late-night action. The civic officials conducted the punitive drive between 12 am and 5 am at the wholesale market in Vashi.
The APMC is always a high-risk area for COVID-19 spread due to high footfall. Despite civic body and police instruction for adherence at the market complex, people are seen violating COVID norms.
As per the instructions of civic chief Abhijeet Bangar, a raid was carried out in the vegetable market from 12 noon to 5 am. A total fine of Rs 62,300 was recovered during the operation. A total of Rs 57,500 was recovered from 115 persons for not wearing masks. Similarly, 4,800 fines were levied on 24 persons for violating the rules of social distance.
Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kanade and Assistant Commissioner of Turbhe ward Subodh Thanekar carried out the raid. Police personnel was also present during the operation.
In addition, Assistant Commissioner Ashok Madhavi of Koparkhairane ward paid close attention to ensure that the shops of essential services would be open from 7 am to 11 am as per the order of “Break the Chain”. A total fine of Rs 20,000 was levied on 2 shops in Sector 12E and Sector 11 for violating the rules.
