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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city...

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city will get a ‘Hindu Marathi’ person to head India’s richest civic body, while the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also harbour fond hopes of a miracle that could ensure their own person for the post. The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) optimism stems from expectations of possible political permutations-combinations that could develop with a realignment of forces as the Supreme Court is hearing the cases involving the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party this week. Catapulted as the largest single party, the BJP hopes to install a first ever party-man as Mayor, but that may not create history. Way back in 1982-1983, a BJP leader Dr. Prabhakar Pai had served in the top post in Mumbai (then Bombay). Incidentally, Dr. Pai hailed from Udupi district of Karnataka, and his appointment came barely a couple of years after the BJP was formed (1980), capping a distinguished career as a city father, said experts. Originally a Congressman, Dr. Pai later shifted to the Bharatiya Janata Party, then back to Congress briefly, founded the Janata Seva Sangh before immersing himself in social activities. Second Administrator The 2026 Mayoral elections have evoked huge interest not only among Mumbaikars but across the country as it comes after nearly four years since the BMC was governed by an Administrator. This was only the second time in the BMC history that an Administrator was named after April 1984-May 1985. On both occasions, there were election-related issues, the first time the elections got delayed for certain reasons and the second time the polling was put off owing to Ward delimitations and OBC quotas as the matter was pending in the courts. From 1931 till 2022, Mumbai has been lorded over by 76 Mayors, men and women, hailing from various regions, backgrounds, castes and communities. They included Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, even a Jew, etc., truly reflecting the cosmopolitan personality of the coastal city and India’s financial powerhouse. In 1931-1932, the Mayor was a Parsi, J. B. Boman Behram, and others from his community followed like Khurshed Framji Nariman (after whom Nariman Point is named), E. A. Bandukwala, Minoo Masani, B. N. Karanjia and other bigwigs. There were Muslims like Hoosenally Rahimtoola, Sultan M. Chinoy, the legendary Yusuf Meherally, Dr. A. U. Memon and others. The Christian community got a fair share of Mayors with Joseph A. D’Souza – who was Member of Constituent Assembly representing Bombay Province for writing-approving the Constitution of India, M. U. Mascarenhas, P. A. Dias, Simon C. Fernandes, J. Leon D’Souza, et al. A Jew Elijah Moses (1937-1938) and a Sikh M. H. Bedi (1983-1984), served as Mayors, but post-1985, for the past 40 years, nobody from any minority community occupied the august post. During the silver jubilee year of the post, Sulochana M. Modi became the first woman Mayor of Mumbai (1956), and later with tweaks in the rules, many women ruled in this post – Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar (1994-1995), Vishakha Raut (997-1998), Dr. Shubha Raul (March 2007-Nov. 2009), Shraddha Jadhav (Dec. 2009-March 2012), Snehal Ambedkar (Sep. 2014-March 2017). The last incumbent (before the Administrator) was a government nurse, Kishori Pednekar (Nov. 2019-March 2022) - who earned the sobriquet of ‘Florence Nightingale’ of Mumbai - as she flitted around in her full white uniform at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, earning the admiration of the citizens. Mumbai Mayor – high-profile post The Mumbai Mayor’s post is considered a crucial step in the political ladder and many went on to become MLAs, MPs, state-central ministers, a Lok Sabha Speaker, Chief Ministers and union ministers. The formidable S. K. Patil was Mayor (1949-1952) and later served in the union cabinets of PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Lah Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi; Dahyabhai V. Patel (1954-1955) was the son of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; Manohar Joshi (1976-1977) became the CM of Maharashtra, later union minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha; Chhagan Bhujbal (1985-1986 – 1990-1991) became a Deputy CM.

Why is HMPV Not A New Pathogen?

Updated: Jan 8, 2025

HMPV

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China.


HMPV is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups. First discovered in 2001, it belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and is closely related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into direct contact with infected individuals.


This virus is known to cause illnesses ranging from mild respiratory discomfort to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is prevalent globally and tends to peak during late winter and early spring in temperate regions, although it circulates year-round in some areas.


Symptoms of HMPV

The symptoms of HMPV vary depending on the individual's age, general health and immune response. Mild cases typically present with a runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever, resembling a common cold. Moderate symptoms may include persistent cough, wheezing and fatigue.

In severe cases, especially in infants, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses, HMPV can lead to complications such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia.


Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) requiring hospitalisation may also occur. These severe presentations are particularly concerning for high-risk groups.


Transmission and Prevention

HMPV spreads in ways similar to other respiratory viruses such as RSV and influenza. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces. To prevent the spread of HMPV, practising good hand hygiene is essential, including frequent handwashing with soap and water.


Respiratory etiquette, such as covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing and wearing a mask, can also limit the spread. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces are additional preventive measures.


How long does HMPV last?

Mild cases of human HMPV usually last a few days to a week. In severe cases, it will probably take longer to feel better. However, lingering symptoms, like a cough, may take longer to go away.


Diagnosis of HMPV

Diagnosing HMPV based solely on symptoms can be challenging, as it mimics other respiratory infections like RSV and influenza. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard diagnostic tool for detecting HMPV RNA, while antigen detection assays offer quicker results.


In India, surveillance programmes like the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) regularly test for respiratory viruses, including HMPV, as part of their efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses.


Treatment of HMPV

Currently, there is no specific antiviral medication or vaccine available for HMPV. Treatment is supportive and depends on the severity of the infection. For mild cases, rest, adequate hydration and over-the-counter medications to manage fever and nasal congestion are sufficient.


In severe cases, particularly those involving pneumonia or bronchiolitis, oxygen therapy and hospitalisation may be required. Patients experiencing significant respiratory distress may need mechanical ventilation. While research is going on to develop targeted therapies and vaccines, preventive measures and early medical intervention remain key to managing HMPV infections.


Global and National Monitoring

HMPV is not a new pathogen and its cases have been reported worldwide. In India, surveillance systems like ICMR and IDSP monitor trends in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV, alongside other pathogens such as influenza and RSV. The government has emphasized the robustness of its health infrastructure and surveillance networks, which remain vigilant to detect and respond to emerging threats. Similarities and Differences between HMPV and COVID-19


HMPV and COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, are both respiratory pathogens but they differ significantly in their virology, transmission dynamics and public health impact.


Similarities include their modes of transmission — both spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Both can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, and they are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.


Differences lie in their underlying viruses -- COVID-19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms, including loss of taste and smell and a higher potential for systemic complications like blood clotting and multi-organ failure.

Vaccines and antiviral treatments are available for COVID-19 whereas HMPV management is limited to supportive care with no specific antiviral or vaccine currently available.

-PTI

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