Bhubaneswar: In an attempt to restore normalcy in sanitation on a war footing after Cyclone Fani battered the Capital city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has roped in volunteers of National Service Scheme (NSS) and State Scouts and Guides.
The BMC authorities Saturday held a discussion with the representatives from NSS, Utkal University and State Scouts and Guides at the civic body office here. While the NSS has agreed to provide 250 volunteers, the Scouts and Guides wing of Bhubaneswar has pledged a support of 50 members.
The BMC has also prioritised timely lifting of garbage that has been a daunting task post Fani. The four private agencies with the BMC – Jagruti, PMR, Ramky and Lion (mechanical sweeping) – have deployed altogether 2,306 personnel for the clean-up drives in 57 wards. While Jagruti has deployed 1,285 sanitation workers, PMR has engaged 440, Ramkay 516 and Lion 65 to carry out the cleanliness work in the respective localities.
“As per reports, the sanitation agencies and BMC workers have lifted about 1,350 trips of green garbage from different sources. Cutting and pruning of broken trees is in progress. Efforts are on to remove litter from the roads for ensuring hygiene and better sanitation,” a senior BMC official said.
Meanwhile, water supply has been restored in the entire city while the work on electricity and sanitation is going on in full swing.
As announced by the government, relief till now has reached 85 per cent of beneficiaries through 67 distribution centres.
Furthermore, the authorities have decided to close 30 such relief distribution centres after an assessment of the situation. These relief centres are: One in Infocity, four in Vani Vihar, two in Kuakhai, four in Khandagiri, three in Iskcon, five in OUAT, five in Airport, four in Sachibalaya Marg, one in Cuttack Road and one in Lingaraj sectors. Any beneficiary who has not received the assistance can receive his/her entitlement from the concerned zone office of the BMC.
Meanwhile, public health initiatives have been taken for preventing infectious diseases. Also, it is being ensured that awareness is spread among people to adopt hygienic practices. Fogging is being undertaken in Old Town area to break the vector cycle, thereby preventing outbreak of any vector borne disease.