Berhampur: There are 17 such villages in a single panchayat in Ganjam district that have not reported even a single case of coronavirus positive case as of yet.
The fact that Ganjam has been a COVID hotspot makes this all the more incredible. But it is true.
These green zone (as per the coronavirus colour zones) villages are of Kankia panchayat under Kukudakhandi block. Towards the fag end of Kukudakhandi block and near the border of Chikiti block, nestles Kankia panchayat in the lap of nature. The panchayat is surrounded by hills and jungles.
Out of 22 villages of the panchayat, most are in close proximity to hills and baniamari reserve forest. The total population of the panchayat is 4,476—2,449 males and 2,027 females.
These villages where the deadly virus has not dared to enter into till date are 20km away from the Kukudakhandi block headquarters. The reason is simple. Even though these villagers are not very literate they are well aware of the pandemic disease and are playing it smart. They know it well to keep the virus at bay.
Apart from following proper sanitation measures like washing hands for couple of minutes and maintaining social distance, they have made it a mental note not to visit any village outside their zone unless it is an emergency. Besides, they don’t even allow any outsiders into their villages.
Kukudakhandi Block chairman, Kamakhya Prasad Patra has praised the villagers. “The fact that 17 villages of a panchayat are still remaining coronavirus-free will definitely raise many eyebrows. The villagers have set an example for others,” he says.
According to block development officer (BDO) Gadadhar Patra, the block’s tally was 652 by August 29. Of them, 612 patients have so far recovered from the disease. The block has so far reported nine deaths. While some of the remaining 32 patients are undergoing treatment at COVID care centre, some others are in home isolation, Patra informs.
Of the total 96 villages in the block, 84 villages are still in green zones. “But 17 villages from a single panchayat to be remaining COVID-19 free, that too in a district like Ganjam is a feat in itself to cheer at,” he observes.
PNN