Mumbai: The Maratha quota protest, led by Manoj Jarange Patil, entered its third consecutive day on Sunday, drawing thousands of supporters to Azad Maidan and surrounding areas in south Mumbai.
To ensure public health and sanitation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed 800 solid waste management (SWM) workers to clean the premises. More than 300 fixed and mobile toilets are available free of cost, with workers maintaining cleanliness continuously. Additionally, garbage bags are being distributed to protesters to encourage proper waste disposal.
The BMC has also arranged 25 drinking water tankers at key locations, including Azad Maidan, BMC Road, CSMT, Hutatma Chowk, Marine Drive Police Station, and Vashi Naka.
Medical facilities have been strengthened at the protest site, with a 24-hour medical aid room, four medical teams, two ambulances, and support from BMC-run Nair Hospital and J. J. Hospital. In emergencies, patients are referred to Gokuldas Tejpal (G.T.) Hospital, Nair Hospital, Cama Hospital, and Bombay Hospital. Over the last two days, more than 100 protesters sought treatment for ailments like headaches, body pain, and flu.
Tragically, a protester, Vijay Ghogre from Latur district, passed away due to cardiac arrest on Saturday evening. He was declared dead at G.T. Hospital. Last year, a similar protest led by Manoj Jarange Patil also saw a fatality near Junnar in Pune district.
Authorities continue to appeal to protesters to maintain cleanliness and follow safety guidelines as the demonstration continues.
