SRINAGAR: The authorities on Wednesday declared three villages in Bandipora district as “red-zones” and their surrounding localities as “buffer zones” after more persons tested positive to COVID-19 infection in these villages.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmed issued the orders declaring three villages including Lahipora Aloosa, Shokhbaba and Main Chowk Chittibanday, Gori Mohalla and Chopan Mohalla of Chittbanday Tehsil as Red Zones.
The villages including Aloosa, Ashtangoo, Malangam, Binlipora Kema, Arin, Sumlar, TA Shah, Brar and Aragam have been declared as respective buffer zones and restrictions have been imposed in these areas to restrict the movement of the people.
The District Magistrate said it has become imperative to initiate restrictive measures under section 144 CrPC for immediate prevention of danger to human life, health and safety.
According to the directions passed by the District Magistrate who is also the Chairman District Disaster Management Authority, there shall be no movement of any individual for any reason whatsoever permitted into and out of these villages “However for any medical emergency, individuals can contact on 24*7 Control Room on 01957-225024 or 01957-225323,” .
Saif-ud-Din, Naib Tehsildar Ashtangoo shall be the Duty Magistrate for Lahipora Red Zone while Bashir Ahmad Mir, lecturer shall be the Duty Magistrate for Shokbaba Village and Ali Mohammad Lone, Naib Tehsildar for Chittebanday village
Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Bandipora has been directed to ensure fumigation the entire villages as per the SOP.
The DC Bandipora also directed the law enforcing agencies to implement the prohibitory orders in letter and spirit to save human lives. He warned of strict action against the violators of the order under section 188 IPC and other relevant provisions of Epidemic Disease Act 1897 and the Disaster Management Act 2005.
The District Magistrate also directed the Chief Medical Officer to get the process of contact tracing done as per norms and 100 percent screening of the 300 meters perimeter. “The sampling of contacts, service providers, co-morbid and other vulnerable and their quarantine shall be ensured as per SOP.
Dr Owais appealed the general public to cooperate with the administration and ensure strict adherence to the order as the non-compliance shall constitute a criminal offence and attract strict actions.
He said that the district administration has put in place a mechanism to ensure uninterrupted supplies and deliveries of essential services to the general public of the district.