Mumbai: BMC to open 50 yoga centres on International Yoga Day

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The BMC is opening around 50 Shiv Yoga Kendras across the city on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Ward-level civic authorities have finalised hiring of yoga instructors as well as selection of places for the centres.

The BMC is starting Shiv Yoga Kendras to keep Mumbaikars physically and mentally fit, especially as diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity are on the rise among the citizens due to sedentary lifestyle. Civic officials said the centres will have three-month courses with 20 sessions each month.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G North ward Kiran Dighavkar said, "We are set to open two centres in Dadar. The training venues have been decided and we have a group of citizens who want to take part too. We are also planning to open one centre in Dharavi and are currently working on it."

Dr Avinash Waydande, health officer of S ward which covers Bhandup, said, "We have to open at least 14 centres in our ward with 8 of them starting from Tuesday. As people are not aware of such schemes, we are counselling those people who are coming to our health posts and dispensaries. As of now, 230 people have registered for the yoga classes." Assistant Municipal Commissioner Prashant Sakpal from K East ward (Andheri East) said, "We have planned to open 10 centres in our ward. The spots have been identified for the same. Yoga instructors are ready and we have a group of citizens who have shown interest. The sessions will begin from Tuesday."

BMC Executive Health Officer Mangala Gomare said, "On the occasion of International Yoga Day, we will try to open as many centres as possible and the health officers of each ward are working on it."