From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan 2: Consequent to the spike in Covid infection cases, especially of omicron variant, in neighbouring Maharashtra State and in its capital city of Mumbai during the last week, Karnataka has issued strict instructions to the officials to maintain stringent vigil in the border districts of the region in view of the strong business relations and interactions with Mumbai.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who arrived in Belagavi, spoke to the media representatives in the Belagavi airport on Sunday and said only those people who have received double dose of vaccination and have obtained RTPCR test report will be allowed to enter the State.
“Not only the Belagavi check post, even other check posts around the region have been asked to tighten measures. Border areas of neighboring Vijayapura district too have been asked to tighten its check posts,’’ he said.
About 11 check posts have been put up in Vijayapura district. Though the tight measures would cause a bit of inconvenience to passengers, it is inevitable in the interest of public health in Belagavi district, the Chief Minister said.
Vaccination Drive
A State-wide vaccination drive for children aged 15 to 18 years is being launched on January 3.
Instructions have been issued to implement it in a systematic way. Prime Minister Modi's desire to bring the children within secure bio-bubble is being realised through the vaccination drive to be launched on January 3, Bommai said.
Vaccination would be held on January 10 for those who are over 60 years old with comorbidities, he said.
Fully prepared to tackle Covid pandemic
"We should be prepared to prevent the spread of Corona and also face any challenging exigencies. Oxygen supply companies have been contacted to ensure adequate timely supply unlike the shortages witnessed last time. District and taluk hospitals have been instructed to get their oxygen plants ready to function. Action has been taken to keep 4000 oxygen beds ready. Indents are being prepared to procure adequate stock of medicines," he said.
Extending Night Curfew After Discussion
Replying to a question about any possibility of extending the night curfew, Bommai said a decision in this regard would be taken after discussing about prevailing Covid situation and spread of the pandemic in Bengaluru.
When asked whether lockdown would be imposed if the people neglect the guidelines, Bommai said the State Government is very clear about it.
Strict measures have been taken in public interest. People should avoid creating a situation that could compel the government to impose lockdown by following the guidelines.
Meeting on Bengaluru Development
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Minister held a meeting on the comprehensive development of Bengaluru with ministers and legislators from the city at his Home Office of Krishna.
Revenue Minister R Ashok, Housing Minister V Somanna, Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, Urban Development Minister B A Basavaraj, Cooperation Minister S T Somashekar, Excise Minister K Gopalaiah, Union Minister of State Rajiv Chandrashekar, Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary N Manjunath Prasad, BBMP Chief Commissioner Gaurav Gupta, Administrator Rakesh Singh, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma and Finance Department Additional Chief Secretary I S N Prasad attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister later launched the machine for manufacturing fertilisers from the waste material from foodstuffs in the presence of Urban Development Minister Byrathi Basavaraj and Legislator Satish Reddy.