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Dimapur, Aug. 11 (EMN): Mon district holds the distinction of receiving three SKOCH awards in the month of June for effectively mobilising and implementing various measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Due to the rise of positive cases in the state, especially after many Nagas returned from outside, the deputy commissioner (DC), Mon, Thavaseelan K implemented various measures in the district to tackle the pandemic, which visibly curbed the rapid rise of cases.
In a conversation with Eastern Mirror, the DC highlighted some of the measures initiated and implemented by the district administration in order to keep social distancing in place while at the same time helped the local artisans to earn their livelihood and allowed people to have access to basic commodities.
Under the project ‘Local Greens,’ the district administration along with Hills Area Development Organisation (HADO) under the aegis of Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjum initiated home delivery of fresh local vegetables sourced directly from the farmers of neighbouring villages.
“With a minimum charge of INR 10 per delivery, residents of Mon can avail fresh vegetables two days a week by calling on a number,” informed the DC.
Home delivery
Water supply of 1000 litres at the rate of INR 500, delivery of LPG gas cylinders, grocery and medicines at a rate of INR 10 per delivery in collaboration with Naga Logistics has also been implemented so that people need not have to leave their homes, he informed. He said that the district task force along with the owner of petrol pump outlets and well-wishers have sponsored the fuel used for delivery.
In order to help the needy and less privileged, the district administration has also set up a food bank where people can either donate money or non-perishable ration.
The DC informed that the donations are distributed among the needy, senior citizens, widows, orphans, person with disabilities, migrant workers, daily wage earners and stranded students.
With the help of KBBB, Seva Bharati, Don Bosco, NIT Nagaland and ANPSA, more than 5000 people have benefited from the food bank till date, he informed.
The World Help Group is an online platform launched to cater food and medicines for people in need affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. A call centre was also set up at the DC’s office for any assistance. To avail the assistance, one could download the “Ek aura k gyarah” app on Google play store to register.
“This app will also enable various NGOs, civil societies and local authorities to register and come forward to help with distribution in a prompt manner,” said the DC.
The district administration has also started door-to-door survey in the district to identify people with chronic illness, pregnant women, people above 60 years of age and those with travel history.
The DC informed that 891 teams comprising of village/ ward level task force members, Asha, ANMs, Anganwadi workers and teachers were set up for active contact tracing. He added that a team comprising of two members were allotted to visit 50 households each.
Apart from the many medical equipment procured for the district, an advanced ambulance was also purchased and is currently in Guwahati waiting to be brought to Mon.
The ambulance was informed to be equipped with multi para-monitor, incubator, IV supplies, portable ventilator, defibrillator, oxygen cylinders and regulators amongst others. The total estimated cost of the ambulance was stated to be INR 33 lakh (ambulance INR 22 lakh and equipment INR 11 lakh).
The DC further informed that the latest measure implemented was the contact information of daily customers registered by shops and business establishments.
“It is a very simple but effective method where we can conduct tracing easily and as quick as possible,” said the DC and added that all shopkeepers were tested before lockdown was lifted.
Speaking about the strategies implemented by other districts, the DC shared that all the district administrations are taking their own initiatives and trying their best.
“The containment of the virus will depend on the cooperation of the public,” he said.
As of now, he informed that none of the traced contacts have tested positive in Mon and there is no saturation of space for patients.
“Right now everyone should think that they are asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 even if they are not; we all must behave responsibly,” shared the DC.