Journalism of Courage
Advertisement
Premium

Pune’s micro containment zones include two localities in one of least-infected ward areas

"The inclusion of two localities from the Kothrud ward office area has been done as patients were found there recently," said Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad.

Coronavirus cases, covid 19 test, containment zones, india lockdown, indian express news Micro containment zones are key to the PMC’s new strategy of concentrating resources in only the most affected pockets instead of expending time and manpower in a larger area. (Representational)

The 69 micro containment zones declared by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Sunday include two localities from the Kothrud-Bavdhan ward office area, which was not in an earlier list of highly infected areas.

“The inclusion of two localities from the Kothrud ward office area has been done as patients were found there recently. Though the number is less, considering the densely populated and congested area, it was necessary to include them in micro containment zones and seal them,” said Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad.

Micro containment zones are key to the PMC’s new strategy of concentrating resources in only the most affected pockets instead of expending time and manpower in a larger area.

The two localities are Kothrud Shivtara society survey no. 46 and survey no. 81, including Chandragupta Society Maharaj Complex. “It was possible to include the two localities in containment zones only due to the newly adopted strategy of creating micro zones for effective implementation of containment plan,” he said.

“The pockets in ward office…will help to control the spread in other areas of the same ward,” he added.

Meanwhile, ruling as well as opposition parties in the PMC have opposed and criticised the civic administration’s decision to relax the lockdown in the city. “I am against the lifting of lockdown. Residents had cooperated sincerely during the lockdown and extending it by two more weeks till May 17 would have further improved the situation and helped contain the spread,” said Mayor Murlidhar Mohol.

Mohol said he has conveyed his displeasure about the decision to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while taking it up with the municipal commissioner, police commissioner and district collector.

Story continues below this ad

Residents have already started crowding streets and this will create serious problems, Mohol added.

On Monday, residents in large number were crowding liquor shops, banks and non-essential commodity stores as they have been allowed to come outdoors from 7 am to 7 pm.

However, Gaikwad had said the lockdown cannot be kept in force for a long time. “The citizens have to adopt a new lifestyle of using masks, gloves and social distancing along with not going out unless in an emergency,” Gaikwad had said on Monday while justifying the easing of lockdown.

Curated For You

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More


Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
Tags:
  • Coronavirus
Edition
Install the Express App for
a better experience
Featured
Trending Topics
News
Multimedia
Follow Us
Tavleen Singh writesDebate AQI, not Vande Mataram
X