Odisha Fights COVID-19: Ganjam Bans Paan & Gutkha Sale In Rural Areas

Berhampur: The Ganjam district administration has decided to focus more on rural pockets to contain the spread of COVID-19, Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said on Monday.

In this regard, all sarpanchs in the district were directed to ban the sale of paan, gutkha and other tobacco products in their respective jurisdictions. They will lodge police complaints against traders found violating the ban, Kulange added.

He also informed that the administration will serve show-cause notice to a sarpanch for dereliction of duty.

The collector further said that small and mobile vendors dealing with more people will undergo COVID-19 test. “The sarpanchs have been asked to send at least three samples of these small traders even though they have no symptoms to their respective blocks for the test at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur,” he said.

“Besides, the executive officers of the Notified Area Council (NAC) will have to send at least one sample and the Berhampur Municipal Corporation commissioner at least 10 samples to MKCG which has the facility to conduct 90 tests every day,” he added.

On the return of migrant Odia workers to the district after the lockdown is lifted on May 3, Kulange said that to keep these workers in the quarantine centres, the sarpanchs, BDOs and tehsildars have been asked to ensure the completion of all works like repair, renovation and colouring of all government primary, upper primary and high school buildings, raising the height of the toilets and laying inner tiles, installation of electric fans and uninterrupted supply of drinking water on or before May 2.

“It has been decided that prior to the return of the migrant workers, the villages concerned will be shut down for two days. Except for the health workers and para-medical staffs, no person will be allowed to enter the village. The registered migrant workers will be brought in a government vehicle to the quarantine centres where they will stay for 14 days. An incentive of Rs 2000 will be provided to each registered migrant worker. Any worker coming on his personal vehicle and unwilling to stay in government quarantine will not be given the incentive. However, they will be provided with a daily use kit worth Rs 500,” the collector informed.

He further said that the sarpanchs have been asked to stay in touch with one person of their panchayat staying outside the state, who will bring the other workers with him to the panchayat after the lockdown is lifted.