Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 14: Nirbhay Bharat Foundation (NBF) has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of COVID cases in the rural areas of J&K and demanded strict enforcement of SOPs and restrictions in such areas.
In a statement issued here, today, chairman of the Foundation, Tarun Uppal said it is a matter of great concern that the number of COVID cases has started rising even in the rural areas and this needs to be taken as ringing alarm by the administration. He said, “We need to acknowledge that in view of not being able to handle the situation in urban areas as per the expectation and necessity, there is a dire need to immediately arrest the further spread of this deadly virus in rural areas failing which it will create a havoc that would be very difficult to control”, he added.
He, while expressing anguish over the situation said, it is really an irony that despite 75 years of independence, today nation is unable to provide adequate medical facilities to the people residing in urban areas, not to talk of facilities to those residing in rural areas. He added that it is a matter of serious concern that despite an alert about the anticipated third wave of COVID-19 being in the offing, the efforts of the administration in the direction of proper handling are too far from optimum level.
He expressed displeasure over the fact that the second wave of the virus has already taken heavy toll lives across India and the increasing number of deaths in Jammu region during the past fortnight is undoubtedly a matter of utmost concern.
Uppal asserted that it seems that leniency in implementation of Corona Curfew coupled with carelessness is the main reason behind advancing of virus in the rural areas. He appealed to the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha to direct the enforcement agencies to act tough against the people violating lockdown, moving out without passes and without any genuine urgency. He also sought special focus of the LG on rural healthcare infrastructure.
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