COVID-19 second wave: Telangana launches massive sanitation drive

Hyderabad: With Telangana witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases in the recent weeks the state government has kicked into action and ordered a massive sanitation drive. The state's municipal administration and urban development (MAUD) department on 17 April instructed all urban local bodies to sanitize public places like markets, bus stops, and affected areas.

MAUD minister K.T Rama Rao, during a review meeting on Saturday, told all commissioners of municipalities and municipal corporations in the state to disinfect public places with Sodium Hypochlorite solution.

Besides this, priority must be given to clearing garbage dumps, the officials were told. Minister KTR has directed all commissioners of municipalities and municipal corporations to make proper arrangement of staff and vehicles for lifting garbage at Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPS) and hotspots. "Ensure periodicity in lifting of garbage from these points and disinfection of these areas immediately after the garbage is lifted," the officials were told.

The MAUD order further said sanitation staff shall be equipped with protective gears, gloves, and sanitizers. To prevent smooth lifting of garbage the commissioners have been asked to assess and hire extra vehicles if necessary, upgrade dump yard and intermediate transfer station facilities. They have also been directed to ensure proper facilities at graveyards like water and lighting so that there are no problems disposing the dead bodies.

The commissioners were instructed to take up the sanitation activities in a campaign mode and cover the whole town in four days. They have also been told that they can use the Pattana Pragathi funds for the purpose.

Telangana reported the highest single-day spike on Friday with 4,446 cases. The previous highest single-day spike was on 15 April when the state reported 3,840 cases.