COVID-19 scare: BMC launches awareness campaign, to keep vigil on hoarders

Bhubaneswar: Following regulations framed by Odisha government imposing restrictions in wake of rapid spread of COVID-19 across the state, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated for enforcement of  order in the capital city.

In order to create awareness among people to fight novel coronavirus, the civic body authorities have formed three special squads for three zones.

“We have formed three teams for three zones comprising of three JDCs and two BMC additional commissioners. The teams headed by Enforcement Additional Commissioner (BDA) will monitor the government order to close cinema halls, swimming pools and gyms. They have been directed to conduct random checks against hoarding of masks and hand sanitizers,” said BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary today.

It can be mentioned that recently Odisha government has included masks and hand sanitizers under the Essential Commodities Act. Under the law, the medicine stores and departmental stores can not keep these two items exceeding the limits.

The official made it clear that there is no instruction to shut functions like marriage.

“We are creating awareness among people to avoid public gatherings. We have no instruction for malls for closure. The instruction has been made to us for the cinema halls that we will regulate,” he said.

He said that arrangements are being made to take precautions at BMC office for preventing spread of coronavirus.

“The employees will be asked to sanitize their hands or wash their hands with hand wash to be kept in place before entering to the office,” the official said.

Also, the awareness will be created among other employees at private offices in the city to take precautions against the deadly virus.

Besides, action will be taken against people by slapping fine amount of Rs 500 for spitting paan at BMC and BDA offices.