Kupwara: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan today reviewed the developmental scenario and Covid-19 control measures in this border district.
He conducted an extensive tour of the district, inspected developmental works restarted at various places after the onset of unlock. He also took stock of the COVID-19 containment measures in the district.
The aim of his visit was to give fillip to the development process in the district- resumed after the start of unlock process.
The Advisor was accompanied by District Development Commissioner Kupwara, Anshul Garg; Chief Engineer EMRA Kashmir, MD JKPDCL, SSP Kupwara, Director Rural Development, and other concerned officers.
During his visit to Langate block, the Advisor inspected construction work on road from Floor Mill to Army Camp Pohrupeth and Playfield coming up under MGNREGA at a cost of Rs.13.40 lakh.
The Advisor visited Handwara block and inspected up-gradation of Takiyabal road at Chowgol and Public Park near Jamia Qadeem at Maidan Chowgol. These works are coming up under 14th F.C and BADP convergence at a cost of Rs.6.59 lakh. The Advisor interacted with Sarpanchs, Panchs and enquired about their involvement in developmental works. He asked them to fully involve themselves in the developmental process and monitor the ongoing development works. He directed BDOs and concerned engineers to ensure quality standard of works with due adherence to timeline.
At Nutnussa block, the Advisor inspected levelling and filling work of Apna Panchayat Ghar, taken up at Rs.7 lakh under 14th F.C. Convergence.
The Advisor also inspected disilting of Gham Kul from Genral Road to Atthnalla Armpora taken up under MGNREGA at a cost of Rs.50, 000.
At Kupwara, the Advisor inspected construction of Cafeteria cum Toilet Block and Recreation Centre at TRC. Both the works costing Rs 84.46 lakh are near completion.
Later, the Advisor Baeer Khan chaired a meeting at Conference Hall D.C. Office and reviewed the COVID-19 pandemic containment measures taken up by District Administration besides, taking stock of health and power sectors.
The Advisor stressed on generation of mass awareness by involving PRIs, religious leaders, senior citizens and Asha workers regarding usage of masks, hand hygiene and maintaining social distance. He directed Deputy Commissioner to make use of masks mandatory at every level and issue orders for its proper implementation and penalise the violators of SOP norms.
The Advisor also directed for identifying above 60 year aged persons and those having any kind of ailments including kidney failure, heart problems, and providing dialysis and medicare facilities free of cost to the needy and deserving people. He also asked for providing them free transport as Administration is doing in Srinagar and other districts. He said the vulnerable persons need to be advised to stay at home.
Enquiring about Red Zones, the Advisor was informed that district has 8 Red Zones with a population of 42,000. He directed for periodical checkup of these people so that relaxations are ordered accordingly.
Reviewing the facilities for frontline workers of Health department, the Advisor directed for providing them boarding facilities and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits.
The Chief Medical Officer(CMO), informed the Advisor that all facilities, including availability of Essential drugs, ventilators and PPE Kits are satisfactory.
The Advisor asked SSP Kupwara to make sure that SOPs are followed by everyone and penalise those who violate the prescribed COVID Containment norms.
Reviewing the issues of Border areas, the Advisor was informed that the people have started the routine agricultural and horticultural activities. He was further informed that 85 Community bunkers are under execution at Karnah, Keran and Machill.
Reviewing the power scenario, the Advisor directed the concerned to improve power supply in the district and asked engineers to make departmental workshops functional. He also stressed on maintaining transparency and accountability in the functioning of the department.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on Covid control measures and developmental activities in the district. He informed the meeting that a total 4976 persons are enlisted for observation, 887 persons kept under quarantine, 3142 persons completed surveillance, 947 persons are under home surveillance while as, 10,336 samples have been collected for COVID-19 test; of which, 9538 samples tested negative and only 409 tested positive.
The DDC informed that number of Recoveries so far has reached to 298 while the district witnessed 4 deaths so far. He further informed that number of reports awaited by now is 148, while as, 104 active cases are in the district. The meeting was further informed that all the incoming locals arriving from other states are being quarantined for sampling and are released only after testing negative.
The DDC further informed that universal coverage of masks has been ensured across the district and the use of same has been made mandatory.
About the developmental activities, he said 1320 developmental works have been started as per SOPs, engaging 8,384 workers, with strict compliance to the social distancing and use of masks.
Among others, the meeting was attended by ADDC Kupwara, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat; ADC Kupwara, Nazir Ahmad Lone; ADC Handwara, Nazir Ahmad Mir; ACR, ACD, DIO, DPO, Engineers of various wings, and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
Later, the Advisor had a separate meeting with Block Development Council (BDC) chairpersons. The Advisor asked them to come forward wholeheartedly and ensure social distancing, usage of masks and hand hygiene in their jurisdictions while generating awareness for COVID-19 containment measures. The BDCs put forth their demands to which the Advisor gave a patient hearing and assured them all possible support.
