M&M has donated six tractors and sprayers to MCGM to help it fight Covid-19.
Story by Deven Lad
Mumbai, it is unfortunate but true, is at the forefront of the Covid-19 statistics. In early May, the financial capital of India reported 11,394 positive cases and 437 deaths, the daily count of deaths reaching its highest. The transmission of the virus in the mega city has already consumed one municipal commissioner and ensured that it is divided into seven zones with each IAS officer in charge. Fighting to protect a population that is estimated to be 20.4 million and growing, Mumbai as a mega city is fighting a fierce battle against an enemy that is invisible and highly active. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Mumbai has been getting support from diverse quarters in its fight against Covid-19. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has donated six Jivo 245 DI tractors and six Grapemaster Blast+ sprayers to the city’s fire department.
Used to spray disinfectants on the streets and in the localities of Mumbai to curb the spread of Novel Coronavirus, the tractors, according to Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, have come to support a cause greater than they would in usual times, used to spray crops. Enabling the city to effectively sanitise its road and localities in less time, the tractor and sprayer combination, according to Atul Sinha, Senior General Manager, M&M, is being used especially in containment areas, hospitals and designated market places. They are being used for sanitisation in the world’s biggest slum, Dharavi, which is spread across an area of approximately 535 acres, he said. Adding to the fire department’s fleet of advanced fire engines and extinguishers, mist-blowing machines and hand-held pesticide sprayers, five multiple jet injector machines, etc., the six tractors and sprayers are proving to be of much use, mentioned a Mumbai Fire Brigade source. Informed Prahlad Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Brigade, that they have 15 vehicles, including six Mahindra Jivo tractors and five Shaktiman Protektors. These are part of their quick response vehicles fleet to fight against Covid-19, he said.
Used to spray a diluted mixture of sodium hypochlorite, a type of bleach which is highly effective for cleaning surfaces, the six tractors and sprayers donated by M&M have become a familiar site in many parts of the mega city. Laced with exceptional features like Automatic Draft & Depth Control (ADDC), which aids the setting up of implements easily, the Jivo 245 DI is powered by a 24 hp, two-cylinder 1.4-litre diesel engine with a 22 hp PTO. If the power steering makes it easy to manoeuvre the tractor, the multi-plate oil immersed brakes provide high grip and low slippage. With a hydraulic lifting capacity of 750 kgs, the tractor has a transmission with eight forward and four reverse ratios. The Grapemaster Blast+ sprayer, at the other end, is a tractor trailed sprayer for Vineyards. Lightweight and durable in its construction, the sprayer provides best output in both Y-shape and Mandap Vineyards. It comes equipped with a computer balanced fan with counter-veins and equaliser cone technology, giving uniform high volume air output for efficient chemical penetration with less load on the tractor.
