Mumbai News Live Updates: BMC collects Rs 27 lakh in fines from people without masks

Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai were hiked for the 12th consecutive day on Saturday. Petrol has touched Rs 97 per litre mark today whereas diesel is priced at Rs 88.06 per litre. Photo by KK Choudhary/BCCL

With the rise in Covid-19 cases in Mumbai and several people lowering their guard, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has intensified its drive to fine those who are not wearing masks.On February 19 (Friday), the civic body penalised 13,592 persons and collected a fine of Rs 27 lakh.

As many as five civic wards reported more than 50 per cent rise in Covid-19 cases in the second week of February compared with the first week of the month. The sharpest spike of 91% in Covid-19 cases was reported from A Ward, which covers parts of Colaba, Cuffe Parade and Churchgate. The other wards that have reported more than a 50% rise in cases are R-North (Dahisar and Borivli) at 62%, E (Byculla and Mumbai Central) 58%, F-South (Parel and Sewri) 52% and M-East (Govandi) 51%. READ MORE

The Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) probing smuggling of huge quantities of banned drugs to the UK through courier, arrested the key person behind the racket on Friday. The NCB arrested Hemraj Patel (31), a native of Pali in Rajasthan under various NDPS sections of possession, conspiracy in procurement, purchase and transportation. READ MORE

With 471 new coronavirus cases, the infection count in Thane district climbed to 2,59,668, an official said on Saturday. As the virus claimed the life of eight persons, the death toll in the district rose to 6,227. The district's COVID-19 mortality rate stood at 2.40 per cent, he added. So far, 2,49,566 patients have recuperated from the infection, which improved the recovery rate to 96.11 per cent. (PTI)

Petrol and diesel prices in Mumbai were hiked for the 12th consecutive day on Saturday. Petrol has touched Rs 97 per litre mark today whereas diesel is priced at Rs 88.06 per litre. READ MORE

Spurred by a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra will approach the Union health ministry for permission to start the third phase of vaccination—targeting 50-plus people and younger with diseases—before March, state technical advisor Dr Subhash Salunkhe said on Friday. “In Maharashtra and Kerala where there is an increase in cases in pockets, the Union government should not wait till March. It must start vaccination of those above 50 years and those with co-morbidities earlier so that the situation can be in control. When we have a primary tool for prevention and vaccine companies have assured us of adequate production, the Union government should act fast,” Salunkhe, who was in Amravati assessing the situation, told TOI. There is a spurt in cases in pockets of Marathwada and Vidarbha. READ MORE

Western Railway plans to start running 15-coach services on the slow corridor from April, as the Rs 70-crore platform extension project between Andheri and Virar stations is near completion to accommodate longer trains. By then, WR also plans to add 24 more 15-car services on its suburban network. The work of extending the length of 31 platforms was carried out on the slow corridor of 14 stations as WR’s plan is to run a total 146 15-car services to reduce crowding in trains. At present, WR runs 54 15-car services on the fast corridor, but only 12-coach services on the slow corridor. READ MORE

While Maharashtra recorded more than 6,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day after three months on Friday, only 14,880 persons were vaccinated in the state. As many as 2,848 people received a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine while 12,032 people received the first dose.

A First Information Report was registered in Mumbai against Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi on Friday for not using a mask after he shared a video of a ride on motorbike with his wife on Valentine's Day. With coronavirus cases again rising in Maharashtra, the city administration had warned to prosecute those who violate the mandatory mask rule. The case was registered against the actor at Juhu Police Station.

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