Mumbai, the city of dreams, where rich globe-trotting individuals live alongside the poor in shanties, is fast turning into a breeding ground for infections. Day-by-day, the number of coronavirus cases in the city continue to explode. The city, however, in its endeavor to put up a tough fight against the virus is converting several of its iconic structures into quarantine facilities.
From a Wuhan-style makeshift hospital to quarantine centers in parks and planetariums, Mumbai is reportedly readying up to 100,000 beds for the worst-case scenario.
Iconic Landmarks Of Mumbai Have Been Turned Into Quarantine Centres
As the city continues to race towards preparing for the predicted peaking of infections, here are 7 iconic landmarks of Mumbai that have been turned into quarantine centres:
1. Bandra Kurla Complex
A financial hot spot, comparable to London’s Canary Wharf, BKC houses headquarters of several global investment banks as India’s capital markets regulator alongside fancy restaurants and hotels.
However, a makeshift 1000-bed hospital for non-critical COVID-19 patients is being readied, equipped with a pathological laboratory, laundry, oxygen facilities and cabins for doctors and nurses. As per MMRDA, an additional facility of up to 5,000 beds can be added to the hospital if a requirement springs up in future.
2. National Sports Club of India
This iconic heritage structure with its dome-shaped auditorium was built in 1950, soon after India became independent. It is known for hosting events like TEDx talks, Broadway-like musicals and music concerts.
In view of the pandemic, the dome is now converted into a 600-bed quarantine facility with 40 Intensive Care Unit beds.
3. Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Built in 1883, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse is one of the most breathtaking spots in the city. It recently hosted the 2020 Indian Derby in February. But the iconic spot’s parking lot has now been turned into a 300-bed isolation center, created using tent hanger structures and canopies. According to reports, there are plans to add another 500 beds in the facility.
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4. Mahim Nature Park
Dis you know this 37-acre nature park was once a dumping ground? Well, now this green pocket is being transformed again into a quarantine facility for high-risk contacts of virus patients near Dharavi. It will reportedly have 1,200 beds, along with 20 beds isolated for patients who show severe symptoms.
Mahim Nature Park is being converted into a quarantine facility. 400 beds and 50 portable toilets will be a part of this facility. Asymptomatic patients and those suspected positive, will be kept in 2 different sections within the facility. @disha2791 reports pic.twitter.com/W8pai0hajd
— Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) May 18, 2020
5. NESCO Grounds
A place where conventions, exhibitions and trade fairs were held once upon a time, Goregaon’s NESCO Grounds have now been converted into a quarantine facility for 1,200 asymptomatic patients from Mumbai’s slums.
6. Nehru Science Centre
A popular place for science-lovers, and school-field trips, the Nehru Science Centre has now been converted into an isolation facility of 100 beds for slum dwellers.
@mybmcWardGS has created 100 bed CCC-2 facility for covid19 cases, at Nehru Science Centre, having different sections. We thank Nehru Science Centre authorities for the support. In addition, we are also adding 860 beds CCC-1 Quarantine facilities. Fight against #Covid19 @mybmc pic.twitter.com/YGMTjDfxWQ
— WARD GS BMC (@mybmcWardGS) May 11, 2020
7. Nehru Planetarium
Another popular spot for lovers of the sun and stars and all things space, the dome-shaped structure of Mumbai’s Nehru planetarium is now being transformed into a 300-bed facility for asymptomatic patients.
Mumbai converts BKC to Nehru Planetarium into quarantine centres as COVID-19 cases rise pic.twitter.com/ugvwHeoQHf
— Huzaifa ❗〽️❓ (@Huzaifa_Boss143) May 19, 2020