Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, May 10: District administration Reasi is effectively fighting against novel Corona virus. The decisive fight against COVID-19 in the district began with the vigilant background check of yatris coming to Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra since March 1, well advance in time.
All borders with adjoining districts were manned by police personnel and check posts were installed at all 6 routes towards Reasi. Details of incoming persons and their vehicle were noted and consolidated every day.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Indu Kanwal Chib informed that Village and Urban Surveillance Committees had been constituted on March 30, which carried door-to-door surveillance of people in all 257 inhabited Panchayats of the district. Each committee consists of 6 local members and each Panchayat has two such committees. In addition to these, 26 Urban Surveillance Committees are working in urban areas of the district, she added. A COVID Call Centre is observing the working of all the committees whose daily visits are geo tagged and verified.
Reasi could be called a pioneer for opening markets in a staggered fashion to avoid sudden rush of people, which she believes may lead to careless attitude towards lockdown. A group of carefully chosen volunteers is mandated to check any violation of social distancing measures in the market.
The DC further informed that to efficiently redress multitude of public grievances, the district administration has set up various control rooms like COVID-19 Control Room, Red Cross Helpline, Administrative Control Room, Migrant Labour Control Room and Control Room for essential supplies. The district administration has all set to start Agriculture Control Room.
Women’s self help groups in the district have made more than 1.75 lakh masks. An estimated 3 lakh face masks are expected to be procured from these groups at the earliest.
To address issues of migrant labourers, the District Migrant Cell is working at its best to resolve the issues.
Significant contribution has been made by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in providing around 1200 beds and food for quarantined people at Katra. Similarly, organizations like the NHPC and various others are also providing necessary infrastructure and other help to accommodate quarantined persons.
Pertinent to mention that the district administration has provided financial assistance to the registered construction workers through DBT mode comprising 1st installment of Rs 5.80 lakhs and 2nd installment of Rs.5.65 lakhs.