Pune Down By Swine Flu

The most widely spread epidemic of the year 2009, the H1N1 swine flu, has not only hit the Mumbai city, but also its twin city, Pune. Currently, 27 positive cases have been reported and it is feared that the numbers might not stop here.

In order to curb the spread of this deadly virus, Pune civic body has declared to shut down all educational institutions like schools, colleges and other private coaching classes for next few days. Also, talks are to be held by political parties and other organizations for closure of cinema halls, malls, multiplexes and other public gathering places. The local civic body has announced to visit public gathering places and areas only if necessary.

The fear of getting infected with swine flu has also brought down the road traffic between Mumbai and Pune. Those working on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway have noted a sudden drop in the number of vehicles passing through the toll posts, and the same effect have been noticed on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. However, the railway authorities have said that the number of passengers traveling by rail hasn't dipped. And that they are coordinating with the health department and agencies to provide assistance, and putting up swine flu awareness banners at all major railway stations.

Pune Municipal Corporation have taken active initiation by increasing the frequency of garbage collection, thus letting less of garbage piling across the city. However, with dahi-handi and Ganpati celebrations just around the corner, it will be a tough task for the PMC to maintain cleanliness across the city. And with rising number of H1N1 cases, it looks like at this time of the year Puneites will have to restrict their celebrations to some extent.