COVID-19 2nd Wave: Odisha Intensifies Checking Along Coast

Bhubaneswar: After intensifying checking at the airports, railway stations and road entry points, the Odisha government has now heightened screening at waterway points too.

Accordingly, all 18 marine police stations in the state have been alerted to check the entry of migrants via waterways.

ADG, Railways and Coastal Security, Pranabindu Acharya said on Friday that forces have been increased at all fish landing centres in and Marine Police instructed to check all passengers in boats.

The measures have been taking keeping in view the return of migrants from high-risk states, particularly neighbouring West Bengal. During the first phase of COVID-19, the state had witnessed large number of migrants returning through waterways.

The Sagar Rakshak Dal that shares information regarding migration through waterways has been alerted and night patrolling on two-wheelers is being conducted, said Acharya.