IGC Lassipora a potential epicentre for COVID-19

Pulwama, April 29 (KNS): Amid Lockdown and surfacing of a positive case having travel movement and two days stay in a CA store in IGC Lassipora ,people of District are apprehensive and frightened of Industrial Growth Centre turning into an epicentre of Corona Virus infection.

While Speaking to this news agency ,scores of people belonging to the area seem to be in a precarious situation over the indiscriminate movement of Truckers and workers in and out of Industrial Estate endangering thousands of lives residing around the industrial estate.

According to reports that the COVID-19 positive person of Rahmoo pulwama has stayed in Al-Noor CA Store of IGC Lassipora before moving to native village substantiating the fact ,having a likelihood of
mass contacts and interactions with many others at IGC during the staying period before as well.

After preliminary enquiry the authorities have declared a portion of IGC Lassipora falling within a radius of 300 meters from Al Noor CA Store where the COVID-19 person has reportedly stayed as Red Zone.

While Expressing displeasure over the unregulated functioning of Industrial units in IGC people of the area said that these units are endangering the lives of thousands of people residing in the area. People have requested the Authorities to revisit the decision of opening of the units by Industries and Commerce department and urged for the closure of business activity in IGC Lassipora till complete containment is ensured.

Meanwhile representation of Civil Society told this news agency that unregulated movement of truckers /transporters in IGC may soon turn the Industrial Estate into an epicentre of COVID-19 .They said that truckers are going to all places outside UT and then coming back after mass contacts which is making the situation scary.
They added that the unregulated movement from adjoining districts like Shopian, Anantnag, Budgam and Srinagar is also unsettling the lockdown discipline ,the residents of pulwama are exhibiting.

Locals have also complained that the no precautionary measure are being taken by food processing Units particularly Milk , Apple and Baking Industry in the distribution and delivery of such items which furthers the vulnerability of the area to COVID-19 Infection. Locals also reported that no protective gears are being provided to the workers by the unit holders.
A renowned member from the Civil society said that Govt should clarify whether people are important or interest of few and should prioritise people over apples.He added that CA stores are meant to add shelf life of apples besides keeping freshness intact and should only be brought into market once lockdown is over.

He said that Horticulture and Industries and Commerce department has been insensitive towards larger public well being and addressing the interests of few only. (KNS)