The onset of COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented wave of public anguish and apprehension throughout the world. Within a short span of three and half months it has spread its arm like that of spider’s net to all most all the continents of this earth. Measure to contain this deadly pandemic are being taken at all level and as such the preparedness and immediate response mechanism is continuously evolving with time and with updated information from countries affected initially. The management of such crisis in India are laid with the Nodal Agency, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the Centre, and Department of Health and Family Welfare at the State
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC)
In order to implement such measures in Bhubaneswar City, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has activated Incidence Command System (ICS) and mobilised resources which includes inhouse officers, staffs, and consultants from different Project Management Units (PMUs). Further, Administrative Officers from other line departments are also being taken on requisition immediately to supervise the implementation process and further to manage such disastrous like situation in the city.
In view of the above, Solid Waste Management (SWM)-Project Management Unit (PMU) supported by IPE Global is working with the ULB Administration from 16th March, 2020 for COVID-19 emergency response and crisis management. The team is engaged in providing operational and administrative support to combat the pandemic in the city. This includes strengthening preparedness and response mechanism through (i) Coordination, planning, and monitoring (ii) Community engagement, surveillance and contact tracing (iii) Identification of free and paid quarantine centres (iv) Managing traced contacts in identified quarantine centres.
The team has been instrumental in preparation of standard operating procedures, protocols, guidelines for different stakeholders prior to lockdown in the city. They are continuously involved in monitoring data related to sampling, testing, treatment and recovered cases for onward transmission to the Commissioner cum Empowered Officer and State Level Officials to take informed decision. Further administrative support is also being provided for preparation of orders during pre-lockdown and lockdown stage.
