27 May,2021 05:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
A couple at Carter Road in Bandra. Pic/Sameer Markande
With Covid-19 restrictions closing up places like malls, restaurants, theatres where people used to hang out, the city's open areas are dotted by couples meeting up. Faced with its duty to make sure everyone follows Covid-19 protocols and stays inside their homes, policing such people has become a dilemma for Mumbai cops - how do you disperse couples without it appearing as moral policing?
In recent action, the Powai police rounded up more than 50 couples from Powai Lake Garden and gave them strict warnings before letting them go. Mumbai police's caution in not appearing as moral police was evident in a reply to a Twitter user, who asked which sticker he should put on his vehicle when he ventures out to meet his girlfriend, "We understand it's essential for you sir but unfortunately it doesn't fall under our essentials or emergency categories! Distance makes the heart grow fonder & currently, you healthier P.S. We wish you lifetime together. This is just a phase. #StayHomeStaySafe." Read on for mid-day's ground report from various spots in the city.
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Around 3 pm on Tuesday, there were around 300-400 people in the vicinity of Bandstand. Some were spending time outside actor Shah Rukh Khan's bungalow. mid-day did not find any police personnel but there were many BMC marshals. One marshal also stopped mid-day's photographer claiming that taking pictures has been banned amid the lockdown.
On the back road in the Mindspace area of Goregaon West, there were many visitors at 3 pm. With the BMC garden frequented by couples closed amid the restrictions, couples were in their cars or on their bikes, parked on the road.
As Gorai beach is located outside the city, many visit the place. At 5 pm on Tuesday, the road near the beach was dotted with cars. Some people were taking selfies on the beach. mid-day did not find police or BMC personnel.
At Dadar Chowpatty, while all entrances were barricaded by the police, couples managed to find a way to enter the beach. People were spotted sitting on the rocks and at the beach.
The popular Chhota Kashmir garden in Aarey Milk Colony has been closed amid restrictions. Couples were seen near a pond located near New Zealand guest house and on the Marol side of the forest area. Since Aarey is connected to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), there are many spots that can offer some privacy.
At 3.30 pm on Tuesday, while it was not crowded, most of the benches at Shivaji Park were occupied. A couple at the park said, "This is the most decent place where we regularly meet and spend good times. We visit this place to talk with each other and share our happiness. We understand there is a lockdown but we don't have any other choice left. We are using masks, sanitisers regularly and are not causing a crowd."
At 1 pm on Tuesday, there were 30-40 couples, some were taking selfies, some were sitting in the interior parts of the garden. In a viral video from the spot, a constable was seen telling people that they are under pressure from the government and requested them to leave. Senior Inspector Aburao Sonawane of Powai police said, "We are not taking serious action against couples but we are requesting them to not venture outside without valid reasons. A constable has been posted at Lake Garden to disperse people. Anyone found without a mask faces action."
At 2 pm on Tuesday, while access to Juhu beach was barricaded, people parked bikes and cars on the road to spend time together. A woman constable was seen requesting couples to leave, she also used her lathi on a few not wearing masks. mid-day spoke to a couple on a bike. "I am meeting her after almost a month. This is the only place I could see her. What to do? I will take a few lathis from the cops to see her," said the man, the couple was shooed away by the constable. Cops have also put banners outside the beach saying, "We are welcoming you on beach but after lockdown." A constable said, "If we request them to leave they find another place nearby. We sympathise with them but they should have patience for a few more days."
