Need of the hour
As the covid-19 second wave seems to have witnessed a decline people all around have started to act complacent. During the past two weeks all regions across Jammu and Kashmir have started to witness unusual movement and assembly of people at various picnic spots.
The situation has gone out of hand at many places and the authorities had to issue advisories and announce closure of various spots for weekends so that covid-19 protocol is not violated at any cost.
Even though these measures should have acted as a deterrent for the people but on ground the situation seems to be totally out of control. During the weekends and even on weekdays people have started to throng various picnic spots and at the same time ignoring the covid-19 SOP’s. The situation is such that we may have to witness a disaster in the coming days.
Last week various picnic spots in south Kashmir recorded a huge rush with no consideration given by the people to maintain and adopt covid proper behavior. People at most of the locations did not bother to follow the SOP’s and created ruckus at various places as well.
This being the reason that authorities in Anantnag district of south Kashmir have made a COVID-19 negative report and vaccine certificate mandatory for visitors to tourist places, including the famous resort of Pahalgam, in the district to prevent the resurgence of coronavirus.
The district administration of Anantnag in south Kashmir, which is home to several tourist spots and public parks, said the visitors to public parks and tourist spots will be permitted only upon producing vaccination certificates and COVID-negative reports to combat the spread of the virus.
Authorities in the district have announced formation of joint enforcement teams of civil and police administration to ensure observance of COVID-19 SOPs at tourist destinations and public parks. The enforcement teams shall also comprise officials of floriculture department, development authorities and municipalities.
Though the decision has come at a right time it needs to be implemented in letter and spirit not only in south Kashmir but elsewhere as well. The phenomenon to visit various places over the weekends has gained momentum in Kashmir valley and authorities need to act tough to keep the possible third wave at bay.
During the past two weeks experts and medicos have been warning of an imminent third wave of coronavirus but majority of the people have started to ignore the warnings which could lead to trouble for the people in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Letter to the Editor
COVID widows need livelihood
The Assam Government should be applauded for launching a scheme to grant one-time financial help of Rs 2.5 lakh each to widows whose husbands died of Covid-19. Widows with a family income of less than Rs 5 lakh per annum will benefit from the new scheme. Many states have also introduced various schemes and programmes to rehabilitate pandemic-affected households and get back on their feet.
Financial assistance may provide some relief to widowed women. For these women their livelihoods need to be sustained and they require a multifaceted rehabilitation programme. State governments, corporate sector and private organisations must provide them with chances for skill development and employment at various levels. Widows may benefit from self-help groups led by women. Society’s combined efforts and constructive support is needed to empower covid widows.
Amit Singh Kushwaha, Satna (MP)
