BENGALURU: With the number of fresh Covid-19 infections surging in Bengaluru,
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has decided to deploy 2,000 home guards to ensure citizens follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.
The move comes after the state technical advisory committee (TAC) for Covid-19, during a recent meeting, told the government that adherence to health protocols was paramount if it intends to contain a second wave of infections from getting worse.
Although BBMP marshals are cracking down on those not wearing masks or following social distancing, they are too few and spread too thin. As a result, enforcement is becoming a challenge in Bengaluru.
Rajbir Singh, chief of marshals, said there are 216 marshals presently deployed in the city in 27 assembly constituencies. Four work in each division in shifts. Besides there are marshals who patrol the streets in vehicles and keep an eye on people.
BBMP commissioner Gaurav Gupta said: “In addition to marshals, a decision has been taken to deploy 2,000 home guards to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour. We want to enforce the rules and be stricter than before.”
From March 28 till April 5, Bengaluru reported 24,590 new cases. The active number of cases have increased from15,882 to 30,782 during the same period. From May last year, BBMP booked 3.9 lakh people for violating health protocols and collected Rs 9.3 crore in penalties.
BBMP marshals have booked 3.7 lakh people for not wearing masks and have collected a fine of Rs 8.7 crore till March this year.