About six weeks ago, a group of architects and urban planners belonging to the Bandra Collective created six modules that could help address the issue of public spaces post the COVID-19 lockdown. In its first phase, the collective, which designs public spaces pro bono with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), re-imagined street markets with a single aim: maintaining safety in the early period post the lockdown.

Work began a fortnight ago on the implementation of the first module that comprises physical distancing circles — painted yellow on the road adjoining shops at Grant Road's Bhaji Galli. The circles allow people to effortlessly maintain physical distancing, even in crowded markets. The circles also show them how to move, where to queue for shops and vendors, and keep safe from vehicular movement. The circles can also be implemented at other public spaces such as bus stops, railway ticket counters, kids play areas and hawker zones.