Pune: Despite guidelines and warnings to prevent COVID-19 infection, more than 3.13 lakh citizens were found not wearing masks while moving around in public places in Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad city and rural areas of Pune district. Police have collected Rs 12.65 crore amount as fine from these 3.13 lakh violators in the last four months.

In Pune city alone, police have collected Rs 5.86 lakh amount of fine while in Pimpri-Chinchwad the fine amount collected from 28780 citizens is Rs 2.62 crore. In rural areas of Pune district, action was taken against 1.63 lakh citizens and Rs 4.16 lakh was collected by gram panchayat and police officials.

Ayush Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Pune Zilla Parishad said, Pune Rural police took action against 1.20 lakh citizens and collected Rs 2.58 crore fine while the gram panchayat officials took action against 31772 citizens and collected Rs 1.16 crore fine from them.

The Pune Zilla Parishad has from June 15 made it mandatory for citizens to wear a mask while stepping out of home and moving around in public places. Citizens found violating this order are asked to pay a fine of minimum Rs 500 to maximum Rs 1000.

Ayush Prasad said the action taken against citizens is to ensure that the Covid-19 spread is curbed in the rural areas and an awareness is created in citizens.

Fine Collection

Pune City: Rs 5.86 crore

Pimpri-Chinchwad City: Rs 2.62 crore

Rural areas of district: Rs. 4.16 crore

Only Municipal Councils in rural areas: Rs 42.10 lakh