Environment minister Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday instructed the civic body to be prepared in case of a second wave of COVID infections, which is feared in view of crowding and violations of the COVID-19 protocols during recent festivities. Moreover, there is concern that the slums would be affected again as the daily wage workers are returning from their hometowns.

Thackeray, in a review meeting with deputy municipal commissioners, told the BMC to keep the infrastructure ready in case those returning to the city need to be quarantined, said civic officials.