Mysuru, Dec 26 (IANS): The Karnataka government has said it is prepared to tackle possible third wave of the coronavirus.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in his address after inaugurating the Oxygen Generator and Liquid Medical Oxygen Plant at the JSS Hospital on Sunday said, action has been initiated to set up new ICU facilities, ramping up of oxygen plants and ensuring stocks of medicines.
About 97 per cent first dose Covid vaccination has been achieved in the state and 76 per cent have been covered with both the doses. It is a record compared to other states, he said.
Protection from Covid can be achieved only by 100 per cent vaccination. The government has been working relentlessly to achieve it. Tough preventive measures too would be taken. People need to cooperate with the government, Bommai said.
Appreciating JSS institutions for their services in education, feeding the hungry and medical care, he said, the government has been successful in managing the Covid spread with cooperation from many organisations and hospitals.
Pontiff of Suttur Mutt Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K. Sudhakar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
CM calls upon youth to join hands in war against drugs
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday called upon the youth to join hands with the government in the war against drugs. "Karnataka would be completely freed from the drug menace with cooperation from the youth," he said.
The Chief Minister was speaking after launching a state-wide campaign against Narcotics organised by the Home Department in association with Vijaya Karnataka.
"Energy is another name of the youth," Bommai said and called upon the youth to harness this energy to build a bright future for themselves and bring laurels for the state.
Emphasizing the need to eradicate the drug menace from the state, he said that he had instructed the police to install CCTV cameras around all prominent colleges. "Cameras should be installed within the college campuses and hostels too. Stringent action would be taken against those who sell drugs in and around college campuses and those who use the drugs."
"Karnataka has declared a war against drugs. State tops the country in the quantity of drugs seized and destroyed. We will wage a relentless war against drugs. Some foreign nationals staying in Bengaluru have been found to be engaged in drug peddling. Stringent action is being taken against them. The NDPS Act is being used to curb drug menace. Dark Web has been penetrated for the first time. Drug supply from abroad is being prevented," Bommai said.
The campaign against drugs needs to be taken to every home. The youth need to take a pledge of not using and neither allowing others to use the drugs, he said.
He urged the youth to register themselves to be part of Vijaya Karnataka campaign against drugs. The Chief Minister termed those involved in narcotics business as traitors and assured that they would be dealt with sternly.