Advisor Baseer Khan reviews COVID-19 situation in south Kashmir

PULWAMA — Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan on Tuesday chaired a series of meetings with officers, Panchayat Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies’ members, traders and transporter associations, religious leaders of Pulwama and Shopian districts here to take stock of COVID-19 control measures being implemented in the districts to tackle the pandemic towards its end.

Advisor said that the administration and the civil society have to work hand in hand to fight the second wave of this dreaded virus which seems more contagious. He called for greater involvement of PRI and ULB members, local Auqaf committees, traders, transporters religious leaders and civil society in general to fight this pandemic effectively.

He stressed on dealing with the situation as per the recommended guidelines and operating procedures, saying that everyone has to play his role in combating the deadly disease. He urged upon the participants to strengthen the hands of administration towards containment of COVID-19 infection as they have pivotal role to propagate the right information regarding the containment of the disease.

Highlighting the importance of information, education and communication activities for mitigating the infection, Advisor urged upon Ulemas to make regular announcement from Masjids, Khankahs and Shrines, advising people to take precautionary measures like wearing of masks, maintaining social distance and hand hygiene.

He said that it is testing time for all of us and it is our responsibility to show efficiency to tackle the situation smoothly. He said that there is no shortage of oxygen, drugs and other basic amenities in the UT and people are requested not to pay heed to rumours.

The Advisor directed for intensifying guard against the virus and take vaccination drives seriously, especially in the areas where positive cases have been detected. He also directed for testing and vaccination of all the labourers working in the industrial areas and those who are living in rented accommodations in different parts of the districts.

Advisor exhorted for ensuring that wage employment programmes like MGNREGA and agricultural operations go smoothly with adherence to Covid SOPs, adding the government is taking calibrated measures in this regard.

In view of coming festivals, Khan directed traders to ensure that no customer should be allowed to enter the shops without masks. He also stressed on the traders’ and transporters’ delegations to adhere to the Covid guidelines and restrictions besides forming volunteer groups who will look after the implementation of the guidelines.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioners Pulwama, Baseer-ul-Haq Chowdary and Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Sachin Kumar informed the Advisor about the Covid management efforts being implemented in their respective districts.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama informed that 1300 mpl oxygen is being generated in one minute in the district while Covid restrictions are being fully implemented on ground. He appealed to Ulemas to ensure minimum gatherings at mosques to control the spread of infectious disease.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian also outlined the details regarding the position of Covid management in his district.

Later, several delegations apprised the Advisor of their demands and grievance regarding availability of vaccines, proper healthcare facilities during pandemic and other basic necessities.

DDC Chairman Pulwama, DDC Vice Chairman Shopian, DDC Vice Chairperson Pulwama, Chairman, MC Pulwama and Shopian, Director Rural Development, Director Urban Bodies, Director Animal Husbandry, senior officers from essential services departments, members of Auqaf, Ulemas, Traders, Transporters and other concerned officers attended the meetings.