Chahal completes 1 year as BMC chief, resolves to put in best efforts in future too in handling Covid-19

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Saturday completed one year at a time when the Mumbai Model to combat the COVID 19 crisis is being hailed globally. The Supreme Court, last week, praised the civic body for its handling of the COVID-19 situation, especially the oxygen supply to patients in Mumbai.

He was appointed in the thick of the coronavirus pandemic in May 2020 replacing the incumbent Pravin Pardeshi.

“Team BMC has resolved to put in our best in future also. I seek your continuous vital support to Team BMC in future also,” said Chahal. “As I complete one year as Municipal Commissioner, I shall be failing in my duty if I do not thank you enough and express my gratitude to you for having not only shown great confidence in me but also supported and shown solidarity to various efforts undertaken by Team BMC,” he added.

Chahal, who is the rank of additional chief secretary, further said BMC shall never lower its guard and never be complacent.

During his tenure, Chahal said the BMC focused on the creation of ward war rooms, dashboards for beds, banning of labs from handing over COVID 19 test reports to positive patients. The civic body also took a conscious decision not to dismantle the Jumbo COVID 19 facilities after the first wave as they are now instrumental in handling the second wave.

According to Chahal, the BMC put the system on “auto-pilot” now. He disclosed that the city was geared up to combat the third wave with more jumbo facilities and oxygen plants.