The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected India’s financial capital – Mumbai. As of May 15, the city has recorded over 17,500 positive cases and more than 650 fatalities.

The situation is so grim that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday directed Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to hand over some facilities of Wankhede Stadium in the southern part of the metropolis to the civic body to create amenities in connection with the deadly outbreak.

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In a letter, Chanda Jadhav, a Ward Assistant Municipal Commissioner, said the "hotel/lodge/clubs/college/exhibition centres/dormitories/marriage hall/gymkhana/banquet hall" must be handed over "with immediate effect".

"The said premises will be used for emergency staff of 'A' Ward and quarantine the person whoever is in contact with a positive COVID-19 patient and are not symptomatic," the letter stated, PTI reported.

BMC said the acquisition was of a temporary nature and expenses for use of facilities would be made at a later date.

The report also claims that the civic body told the cricket association to cooperate else police action could be taken for disobedience to official order.

An MCA apex council member said there was no hesitation on part of the cricket body to help authorities during this difficult phase.

A senior MCA official confirmed that they had received the letter on Friday morning.

Besides the main stadium, the complex includes BCCI office, MCA Lounge, Garware Club House. The MCA Lounge is a banquet hall, while the Garware Club House has over 50 rooms and a few halls inside it.

(With PTI inputs)