The second wave of coronavirus pandemic has hit the nation, extremely hard. There is panic all around for something as basic as oxygen. With a lack of healthcare facilities, absence of adequate oxygen cylinders and death looming all around, India is facing its worst pandemic ever.
Even in such a hard-hitting time, determined bureaucrats of the country are standing on the forefront, leading and guiding the people and their district towards a safe path. From repairing oxygen plants overnight to keeping faraway islands safe; from generating employment for the migrants on fields to Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh fighting extensively to keep Covid19 at bay, civil servants from all across the states are trying to keep ahead in this war with the virus. Presenting Indian Masterminds top five stories from the month of May, depicting true grit and zeal of our officers.
A HOLLYWOOD THRILLER IN DARBHANGA
It could have been plot for a Hollywood thriller. More than 550 lives at stake and a group of person running against time, taking all measures at their command to save them. In the end, the efforts paid off and lives saved in time. But, it was a real-life situation in Darbhanga on May 5, 2021 when the only oxygen plant catering to around 500 patients in Darbhanga and neighbouring districts like Madhubani, stopped working due to a technical issue. With only two hours of oxygen at their hands, the district administration moved heaven and hearth to solve the crisis. The Oxygen plant was repaired by next day morning and miraculously none of the lives were lost, thanks to the efforts of Deputy Development Commissioner Tanai Sultania.
Read the story here: A Hollywood Thriller in Darbhanga
MAKING THE ISLANDS SAFE
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a picturesque but far-flung Union Territory in the Bay of Bengal, is also taking various proactive measures in this regard despite having limited healthcare facilities. The group of islands, which is a major tourist hotspot in India, recorded 16 deaths during this devastating wave and currently has around 214 active cases. We spoke with the District Collector of South Andaman, Mr Suneel Anchipaka and learnt about the proactive measures taken in regards to healthcare, incoming passengers, administration and social welfare of the people.
Read the story here: Making the Islands Safe
IF MUMBAI CAN DO IT, SO CAN INDIA
At a time when chaos and death reign supreme in Delhi as well as many big and small cities of India, when getting an oxygen cylinder or a hospital bed would decide whether you will live or die, when cremation and burial grounds are looking like scenes from a never-ending horror film, when the health infrastructure seems ripe for an eventual crash (if it has not already), one city in the country has held out the light of hope. And the city is Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and it just might have imparted a lesson on survival to the rest of India.
What Mumbai has achieved is no less than a miracle. Within just 30 days, it has almost turned the tables on Covid 19.
Read the story here: If Mumbai Can Do It, So Can India
GENERATING EMPLOYMENT FOR RURAL WOMEN MIGRANTS
The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic snatched away the livelihood of millions of people from all walks of life. Among those who suffered the most have been the daily wage workers. With no savings, diminishing ration, and fast receding prospects of getting work in these days of extended lockdowns, life for them remained difficult throughout the pandemic. During such a time, the Cane and Sugar Department’s Commissioner, Mr. Sanjay Bhoosreddy has proved to be a blessing for rural women entrepreneurs of Uttar Pradesh. This he did by launching of ‘Women Employment Generation Programme’ under the ‘Mission Shakti’ campaign for the protection, honor, self-reliance, and income-earning of women and girls.
Read the story here: Generating Employment for Rural Women Migrants
COUNTERING SECOND CORONA WAVE: REMARKABLE OXYGEN MANAGEMENT BY TEAM MADHYA PRADESH
Present situation of COVID-19’s Second Wave has resulted in increase in demand of Medical Oxygen; hence its availability is of utmost importance to cope up with the situation. To deal effectively with the emergent situation arising due to pandemic and to regulate the availability of Medicinal Oxygen & Liquid Medical Oxygen and to comply with provisions of Rule 74 (f), 65 (5) & Schedule U of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945, Government of Madhya Pradesh has taken several important steps.
Read the story here: Countering Second Corona Wave: Remarkable Oxygen Management by Team Madhya Pradesh
