Delivery of essentials at doorsteps for those stuck in 'sensitive spots'
Kolkata: Giving priority to ensure food provisions to people in the areas at 'sensitive spots', arrangements have been made for the supply of essential commodities at their doorsteps by roping in manpower involved with home delivery. Helpline numbers are being set up for the same through which customers can get in touch and place their orders.
The move is initially that of Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) while all other concerned local authorities are taking necessary steps to ensure delivery of essential commodities to the residents at both rural and urban areas at 'sensitive spots' in some parts of the state. Lockdown will also be enforced strongly in these areas and no gatherings will be allowed. Stringent measures will also be implemented in various markets in these areas. In this regard roads, lanes and bylanes were cordoned off in some of these areas.
Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha held a video conference on Friday with all the concerned District Magistrates and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities directing them to prepare a micro-level plan for the 'sensitive spots' in their respective areas. The Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) has chalked out a detailed plan to ensure the supply of essential commodities to around 16,000 households that are within the 'sensitive spots'.
A special control room is being set up at HMC where people can call if they need a supply of essential commodities. Some grocery shops have been identified in each area from where employees of a retail chain will pick up the goods for delivery. At present, one will have to pay in cash for the commodities they want to buy while the service
charge for the home delivery will be borne by the
Corporation. Later, the provision of online payment or
card payment may get introduced.
The helpline number will be given in the public domain soon and the civic body has already tied up with the retail chain to use its manpower. Necessary training on how to ensure the delivery of goods by maintaining a safe distance and other precautionary measures are being given.
The grocery shops in each of those areas have also been identified.
KMC authorities have also prepared a detailed plan of action to ensure sufficient supply of food to people in the areas under its jurisdiction where there are "sensitive spots" and thorough discussion of the civic body officials have taken place with the city police in this connection.
The state Food and Supplies department is also taking necessary measures to ensure that people in these locations do not get deprived of their due benefits and all steps will be taken accordingly. In North 24-Parganas, too, the administration has ensured delivery of essential commodities at the doorstep and talks are on to rope in a supply chain for the purpose. It could be any online body or local vendors who will be visiting the houses taking all precautionary measures.
