Covid-19: BMC to intensify community outreach programme

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is going to intensify its community outreach programme and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign from Monday to check the spread of Covid-19.

It would promote active community participation to infuse among public the values of self-responsibility to check the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

As per the plan, the civic body will conduct one-of-its-kind interactive    programmes called ‘Sampark Meeting’ at some selected places under its three administrative zones such as South-East, South-West and North Zone covering the entire city.

Senior officials of the State Government are scheduled to join the programme as speakers to address the cornerns of public regarding the pandemic.

The primary objective of this outreach campaign is to reach and take on the spot feedback/queries of every citizen and make them aware about how active community participation and strict adherance of COVID-19 guidelines can help the community or society to keep the coronavirus at bay.

The campaign will focus on spreading awareness among people on the need of social distancing, proper mask wearing, practicing hand hygiene, addressing social stigma associated with COVID-29 etc. in our daily lives.

As per campaign plan, people from different walks of life, eminent citizens, associations like Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Puja Committes, Market Associations, NGOs, voluntary organisations, slum Peer Leaders, among others will attend the outreach programme across the city from Monday to next Sunday.

“In view of rising cases and opening of all kinds of activities, it is being felt to intensify COVID-19 awareness campaign to reorient everyone by organising such programmes. And, also giving credit to citizens because of their active role, we have checked the spread of the virus in the city,” said BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary.