Activists from Odisha write to CM, search intervention into unfold of COVID amongst PVTGs

Amidst a surge in circumstances of COVID-19 among the many Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), activists from the state approached Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his intervention within the matter. So far practically 120 circumstances have been reported from the tribes, of which 80 circumstances have been reported from Dongria Kondh tribes residing within the Niyamgiri hills of Rayagada district.
Noting that these communities are susceptible to being severely affected by the COVID-19 virus, the activists, by way of a letter, have urged Patnaik to take ample neighborhood measures for the welfare of the neighborhood members. “Home quarantine as a Covid protocol being suggested by the government in other places will not work within Adivasi communities because of different ideas about privacy and isolation in Adivasi cultures. Home quarantine measures within Adivasi areas is not the right way to contain the spread of the virus or in breaking the chain of pandemic,” the letter learn.
In their nine-point suggestion to the state authorities the activists have emphasised that “different quarantine centres exclusively for Adivasi people should be established and have separate centres for suspected and confirmed Covid cases funded by the public exchequer near (within 2 kms) Dongria and Bonda settlements/villages.” They have additionally prompt utilizing the saline swirl and gargle technique of testing for higher acceptability as apprehensions about getting examined have been a serious hurdle for the well being division in these areas. Suggestions additionally embrace distribution of ample 3 layered masks and different obligatory objects.
“All PHCs located in Adivasi areas should be upgraded on a war footing and equipped with sufficient medical equipment, medicines, personnel and necessary infrastructure. Government must ensure deliberation of powers to the Sarpanchs and Ward members for creating containment zones and monitoring the entry and exit of outsiders,” the letter learn.
“The government officials entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out Covid measures in these areas must undergo Covid testing and carry their Covid-ve reports along with them while operating in these areas,” they additional proposed.
The signatories of the letter embrace Lingaraj Azad and different members of the Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti, Prafulla Samantara, Social activist and environmentalist, Biswapriya Kanungo, Advocate and human rights activist, amongst others.
The issues come up because the PTVGs are thought of to be susceptible with poor degree of immunity as a result of lack of nourishment and a secluded lifestyle. Odisha has 13 PVTG tribes residing in practically 1429 villages of the state.