PERNEM
Expressing anguish over the detection of 180 cases at the Mopa airport area in barely two days, Mopa Deputy Sarpanch Subodh Mahale complained that the panchayat did not have a record of labourers employed at the airport project site.
“In barely two days, the Mopa airport area has recorded 180 cases. There is only mention of “Mopa” when cases are detected, but the panchayat is not notified about labourers employed at the airport site.”
“We were not provided details of these labourers. The company should immediately halt all operations at the site till the situation is under control,” said Mahale.
Locals claimed that the labourers have been wandering around in the village and had also frequented the bars.
“Two days ago, locals asked some watch guards from the airport site to leave when they were found drinking at a village bar. On the other hand, company officials claim that these labourers stay in the construction area and are provided with all essential goods,” said a source.
When contacted, Kasarwarne Primary Health Centre Health Officer Dr Rekha Pednekar said more workers have been tested and results would be made available in phases.
“All those who have tested positive had no symptoms whatsoever and these workers have been home quarantined in the airport project area itself,” said Dr Pednekar.
