ITANAGAR, May 22 - Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today took stock of the preparedness to deal with COVID-19 in Tawang district.
Khandu, who arrived in his hometown on Wednesday after, reviewed the COVID-19 preparedness at Seppa and Bomdila, the headquarters of East Kameng and West Kameng districts respectively. He held a meeting with the Tawang district administration, police and officials of other government departments to review the COVID-19 situation today.
The Chief Minister said as the country has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases, especially in the neighbouring State, Arunachal Pradesh must be ready for any eventuality.
�It is in such likelihood that the purpose of the preparedness level in the State should be for 100 per cent prevention of spread of COVID-19 infection as and when any positive case arises,� he said, adding that it would be a failure on the part of the State Government if the spread of the disease is not contained.
Khandu said adequate awareness must be generated to prevent spread of panic and rumours. He urged the use of IEC campaigns, all means of public communication to create awareness so that no one is ostracized if found COVID-19 positive.
The Chief Minister said that the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme and the NEC funds would be completely used to upgrade the health sector. He said that a long-term policy for robust infrastructure and facilities for all 25 district hospitals in the State is being rolled out with proposed allocation of Rs 350 crore. He added that 50 per cent of the MLA LAD funds could be used for fighting coronavirus.
Khandu said the State Government has also launched an exercise to define zones, containment plans and standard operating procedures for COVID-19.
On reviving the State�s economy impacted by the pandemic, Khandu said priority would be given to agricultural and horticultural activities. He said the Government would provide farmers with fencing and seeds of agricultural and horticultural crops, besides providing support for marketing of farm produce.
