Citizens, Ranchi admn join hands to fight COVID-19

Team L&M

Former India cricket captain MS Dhoni may not be the only son Ranchi can be proud of. One of the major industrial cities of eastern India, the capital of Jharkhand has a number of unsung heroes which it can be gratified for. Many of them have once again stood up when the nation is battling COVID-19. And they have been ably supported by the city administration.

One among them is Jasmeet Singh Kalsi. One of the directors of Manikaran Power Limited, the second largest power trading companies in the country, Kalsi was approached by Ranchi DC, Rai Mahimapat Ray, who is his friend and sought his help with the city reeling under the threat of coronavirus. “We are working on Each One Feed One format. Till the coronavirus crisis lasts, anyone can contribute Rs 2,000 for one family for a period of a month. As of now, we have had 49 people, including the Army officers, coming forward wherein we have been able to support 133 families,” shares Kalsi.

As a policy decision, no cash will ever be handed to these families. “The DC is already in talks with an IIM professor wherein we are trying to find out the best way to get food or the next possible help to the ones who need it the most in these challenging times. We will fine-tune the disbursement format according to the requirements arising as we move ahead,” he puts in, adding they are targetting people living in slums and daily wage workers who seem to be the worst hits.

At the administration level, Ray is ensuring all possible is extended to the ones in need. Two helpline numbers are operational where people can ask for help related to food, shelter and any other problem like they are stuck somewhere or need aid. Then there are flying squad teams of paramedical workers. As and when there is a call, the team arrives to assess the situation – whether counselling or any treatment is required. Then the city administration has coordinated with two private hospitals wherein their premises, their facilities and their resources for dedicated isolation wards have been used. A total of 144 beds were setup in private hospitals for isolated ICU wards with organ support facilities and the numbers were to increase gradually.

With the market going crazy about sanitisers and resultant panic buying by consumers which resulted in these being sold at higher prices, the administration decided to produce sanitisers. Using the guidelines regarding sanitisers, one bottle of sanitiser was created and after testing it, a plant was set up. Every day, up to seven litres of sanitisers are being sold, not only in Ranchi district but other districts too. For this purpose, three to four stores have been identified in the city which are primarily selling this product. Not this alone, Ranchi city administration has started making masks, as per technical specs, which are being sold for Rs 10 per piece

Then there are Dal-Bhaat Kendras or khichdi takeaways. Volunteers have been mobilised at the panchayat level to start home delivery of ration, medicines and sanitary products so no one faces problem. The city administration has partnered with Reliance Fresh and Reliance Easy Day so that the daily services of groceries, new-born essentials and sanitary products can reach people within 24 hours at a minimal cost of Rs 50 per delivery. LPG cylinders are also being delivered in a similar manner.

A mental health helpline with the aim to give sentimental comfort along with materialistic help has also been made operational with a team of clinical psychologists and doctors a part of this initiative. There are two numbers for tele-counselling.