Pune: Pune is in the unlock 4 stage and already the concerns have risen regarding spread of coronavirus. In this context, Business association delegates of Budhwar Peth met Resident Deputy Collector,, to ensure the region does not become COVID-19 hotspot. They are also anxious of the potential threat of the region becoming a COVID-19 Hotspot as Budhwar peth is a red light area. Once the business in brothels resume the precaution norms can weaken.
Business associations heads met with Dr.Jayadhri Katare and submitted a letter requesting her to enable strict vigilance in Budhwar peth. This means to test the customers coming to Budhwar Peth brothels. The association also urged to provide relief to Budhwar Peth sex workers as they zero business has led to them through the hardships due to lockdown.
Over 400 business owners, and local political leaders have signed this letter which was addressed to the Pune Administration including the Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, MLA Mukta Tilak, newly appointed Pune District Collector, Rahul Deshmukh, Pune Municipal Commissioner , and Pune Mayor Muralidhar Mohol.
Bhola Wanjle said, ‘We have already suffered heavy losses and tried worked hard to keep Budhwar Peth in the green zone so that we can restart our businesses.If now the red light areas are open, and customers coming from various parts of the city cause COVID-19. It can become a hotspot. We are worried if that happens we will have to once again go under a complete lockdown. Our current economic position does not allow us to bear another lockdown’.
Post unlock the business in the red light area resumed and within 4 days of the unlock 5 people, including 2 sex workers and a customer had been tested positive for Covid-19 in the Budhwar Peth red light area.
The trade associations has asked for relief for sex worker so that they are not forced to do business. It has also requested that a rapid testing be conducted in the area to isolate cases, and stop the spread. The letter was discussed with social activists of the area before submission.