Eearlier this month, several Mumbaikars received an email asking them to download the Aarogya Setu app—meant to alert users if they have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient, and what measures they need to take in case that happens. The app, later promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his April 14 address, has been criticised by cyber security experts as being another surveillance tool in the hands of the government. Added to this mix now, is a state mandated app called the MahaKavach, which is likely to enter Mumbai this week.

Developed as a collaborative effort between the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSIS), National Health Authority, Government of India, Nashik District Innovation Council, Nashik Municipal Corporation, TCS Foundation's Digital Impact Square, the Kumabathon Foundation and other volunteers, the app was launched in Nashik 20 days ago, says Amit Kothawade, assistant manager, start-up and innovation, at MSIS. "We wanted to come up with a tech solution to curb the spread of Coronavirus." The pilot project was implemented in Nashik because the Nashik collector and municipal commission were working closely with the MSIS and the initial requirement came from them, he explains in a telephonic interview.