Bandra society opposes BMC's plan to set up Covid vaccination centre inside complex

Mumbai: Two housing societies in the Rizvi complex area of Bandra (west) have opposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plan to set up a vaccination centre in their area.  BMC has a structure within the complex, however, and the housing societies, which comprise 56 flats, wrote to the civic body fearing that Covid-19 would cause congestion and fear among the locals.

BMC is planning to set up 227 vaccination centers across the city in 24 wards to increase the number of vaccination drives for people between the ages of 18 and 44, within a joint venture of the Harmony and Rocky Housing Singh Society.  BMC's H West Ward had written to the societies on April 29 informing them of the plan to set up a vaccination centre at a welfare centre owned by the Civil Body. 

BMC sought the cooperation of the community in this regard. However, members of both societies opposed the project, pointing out that vaccination centers should not be located in residential areas.  Jasmine Divekar said, “We have been told to stay at home and stay safe, but as BMC plans to bring in a vaccination centre, I don’t think residents in our community can stay safe. 

At the vaccination centre, there can be congestion, which can lead to the spread of Covid-19 among residents of the community.  ” Harmony Society Chairman Masood Ahmed said, “We are not opposed to vaccinations or vaccination centers, but we request that it not be placed on our society premises.  Senior citizens live in our community and we fear they will get sick.  We have written to BMC and expect a positive response from them. Vinayak Visput, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, BMC's H West Ward, said: “The area is located within the Harmony Society, a welfare center owned by BMC.  We have a special gate and parking, which we do not use regularly.  But now we want to use it for vaccination, considering it the most practical and suitable place.  ” I hope that citizens will cooperate, considering the need of the hour to vaccinate.  We cannot set up vaccination centers in schools and colleges thinking that they can be reopened at any time, after which the vaccination drive may be affected.  

However, the employees claim that there are no individual gates in the BMC premises and only two standard gates.  Access to the BMC premises is through the main gate and compound of the community.  In two housing societies where 60% of the residents are senior citizens, the immunization center is a big risk to health,”Dwivedi added.

Meanwhile, local BJP corporator Swapna Mathre said there would be opposition if the residential society chooses the premises for vaccination. If alternative options are available, I feel the need to avoid harassing residential and housing societies. ”