News Analysis India

Tag: Uttarakhand

  • Tribals in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh flee into forest to escape COVID-19 test

    By PTI
    PITHORAGARH: Residents of a tribal village here ran to a nearby forest when a team of district health workers came to their doorsteps recently to test them for COVID-19.

    Kuta Chaurani village is inhabited by Banrawats – an endangered tribe.

    The shy tribals fled to the adjoining forest on getting information about the arrival of a Covid testing team in their village on Friday, Didihat SDM KN Goswami said on Sunday.

    “While we could test residents of Aultari and Jamtari villages, those living in Kuta Chaurani fled to the forest,” the SDM said.

    The Banrawat community was declared a primitive tribe on the verge of extinction by the Government of India in 1967.

    “Over 500 members of this highly endangered tribe are living in eight localities of Didihat sub division. We had sent our corona testing team to Aultari, Jamtari and Kuta Chaurani villages to test them. A total of 191 members of the community from Aultari and Jamtari came forward to undergo the test but residents of Kuta Chaurani fled to the forests to avoid tests,” Goswami said.

    “The villagers were afraid that the swab strip taken for the test would infect them,” the SDM said.

    Jagat Singhingh Rajwar, an elderly member of the community from Kuta Chaurani village, said the swab tester could cause further infection to them.

    “We are ready to go for a health check, take medicines but do not agree to let the strip enter our body, ” Rajwar said.

    According to the SDM, his team has persuaded some literate members of the community to create awareness among the locals about the necessity of the tests.

    “We will make another attempt to test them in two-three days,” Goswami said.

    Sanju Pant, coordinator of Didihat youth society, said corona kits have been distributed among some members of the community after taking them into confidence.

    The administration has also been informed about the poor conditions in which the members of the endangered tribal community are forced to live with no work for them due to the coronavirus lockdown, Pant said.

    “We have requested the administration to distribute consumer goods other than food material to the community members,” he said.

    The SDM said packets of spices, edible oil and other essential items besides food packets have been distributed among them for free.

    According to Didihat youth society sources, the community is facing dire shortage of essential goods as there is no earning for them due to the lockdown.

    “If their plight is not addressed, they might face hunger and death,” Pant said.

    SDM Didihat said he has written to the block development officer of Didihat and the district development officer of Pithoragarh to give members of the community work under the MGNREGA.

    “We will not let the community face hunger.

    We maintain a vigil on them through our revenue officials lest they should face any shortage of food,” he said. 

  • Uttarakhand ranks 2nd in COVID mortality rate, death rate stands at 1.89 pc

    By ANI
    DEHRADUN: The mortality rate of COVID-related deaths in Uttarakhand stands at 1.89 per cent and the state ranks second in COVID-related deaths after Punjab, the state health department informed on Thursday.

    It said that despite the decrease in the new COVID-19 cases and the increase in the rate of recovery, the death rate in Uttarakhand is a matter of concern.

    “Uttarakhand ranks second after Punjab in mortality. The death rate of coronavirus patients in the state stands at 1.89 per cent, while the death rate in Punjab stands at 2.5 per cent,” the health ministry said.

    As many as 6,113 people have succumbed to COVID-19 in the state so far.

    State government spokesperson Subodh Uniyal said that the COVID-19 cases in the state have declined after the COVID Curfew, but the state is witnessing more deaths due to COVID-19 as people are arriving late for the treatment.

    “The earlier people arrive for treatment, there are more chances of recovery,” Uniyal said.

    According to official data, there are 43,520 active cases of COVID-19 in the state. The state will be in pandemic induced lockdown till June 1. 

  • Uttarakhand begins production of injections used to treat Black Fungus

    By ANI
    DEHRADUN: Faced with rising ‘Black Fungus’ cases, the Uttarakhand government announced production of injections used in treatment of the disease known medically as mucormycosis.

    Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by exposure to mucor mould which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables. As of now, Amphotericin-B injections, an anti-fungal drug is being used to treat the disease.

    While speaking to ANI, Director General-Health of Uttrakhand, Dr Tripti Bahuguna has said that the production of injections used in the treatment of black fungus has begun in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. She said a consignment of 12,000 injections will be delivered by Thursday, after which the state is expected to get some respite from this disease.

    Dr Bahuguna pointed out that these injections were not produced in bulk as mucormycosis was a very rare condition. “Raw material for the injection has to be brought from outside,” she said.

    The doctor noted that standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been issued regarding treatement of black fungus, which she said was not a new disease but had flared up during the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

    Meanwhile asked about hospitals not diligent about uploading data of deaths due to Covid-19 on the same day, she said the state’s Health Department has strongly objected to the negligence and directed the portal to updated daily by evening.

    The Director General-Health of Uttrakhand also said there was a shortfall in vaccines but fresh supply was coming in regularly. SII produced Covishield has provided 1.50 lakh vaccines and within the next week to 10 days the state can ensure proper vaccination drive in the private hospitals.

    Yesterday, the state government had declared ‘Black Fungus’ as an epidemic. A notifiable disease is required by law to be reported to the government authorities. 

  • Black fungus declared an epidemic in Uttarakhand

    By ANI
    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand has joined several states across the country that have declared black fungus an epidemic.

    According to the Uttarakhand health department, a large number of patients infected with black fungus are coming to the state, due to which the state government has been declared black fungus an epidemic.

    A total of 65 patients have been detected with black fungus in Uttarakhand. Of which, 61 are admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh, the Uttarakhand Health Department said.

    Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma, as per the Union Health Ministry.

    The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this.

    Looking at the rising cases of Mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said the availability of Amphotericin-B, the key drug to treat the deadly disease is now being increased and the ministry is in touch with five additional manufacturers.

    The ministry further stated that the treatment of COVID-19 patients involves the intake of drugs like dexamethasone, which suppresses our immune system response. Due to these factors, COVID-19 patients face a renewed risk of failing the battle against attacks mounted by organisms such as mucormycetes.

    States like Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have already declared it a ‘notifiable’ disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, thereby making it mandatory to report every Mucormycosis case to the state government.

  • COVID-19: Test positivity rate falls below 10 per cent in Uttarakhand

    By Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand’s positivity rate came down to less than 10 per cent for the first time in the month May 2021 on Friday.

    The positivity rate for Covid came down to 8.54 per cent. 

    Earlier on May 11, the positivity rate crossed 25 per cent abd by May 20 it was brought down to10.50 per cent. Though average positivity rate of the month is still 18.17 per cent experts said this is a good sign. 

    Anoop Nautiyal, from Social Development for Communities Foundation, said, “Covid death rate is currently the number one challenge for the state and for the citizens of Uttarakhand in its fight against the pandemic. The death rate in Uttarakhand continues its upward march. The state has a total of 5734 deaths of which 53 per cent i.e, 3045 have been reported in the month of May 2021 only.”

    The death rate in Uttarakhand is at 1.85 per cent, 65 per cent more than the national death rate of 1.12 per cent.

    “The hill state has witnessed a steady increase in the death rate in state and once again call upon government and all its functionaries to take preventive measures to minimise deaths in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand,” added Nautiyal.

    With recovery rate of 73.9 per cent, the hill state ranks 33rd among 36 states and union territories. 

    Meanwhile, total active cases in Uttarakhand dropped to 57929 on Saturday from 63373 on Friday. 

    The state detected 2903 new cases on Sunday while 8164 were cured from Covid infection.

    Subodh Uniyal, state cabinet minister and spokesperson for the government commenting on the issue said, “We have witnessed that much more patients have been cured than the new daily cases. We are trying towards betterment of the situation which is giving visible results.”

  • Black fungus declared a notifiable disease in Uttarakhand

    By PTI
    DEHRADUN: With black fungus cases rising in Uttarakhand, it was declared a notifiable disease in the state under the Epidemic Act, 1897 on Saturday.

    So far, 64 people have been infected with black fungus in the state and of them, four have died.

    Black fungus or mucormycosis has been declared a notifiable disease for its coordinated treatment as a growing number of people are contracting the infection post-COVID-19, Health Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey said.

    The state government also issued an SOP on Saturday for the judicious distribution of Amphotericin B, a drug used in treating black fungus patients.

    Amphotericin B should be provided to only government medical colleges, institutions and Covid-dedicated hospitals on payment after they formally requisition for its supply on the prescribed format giving details of the patients and nature of the infection.

    Rashmi Pant and Kailash Gunjyal have been appointed as the nodal officers for scrutinising the requisitions for Kumaon and Garhwal regions respectively, the SOP said.

    The current SOP supersedes an earlier order issued on May 18 for the judicious use of the drug, it said.

  • Mahakumbh, now Char Dham, why embarrass ourselves?, Uttarakhand HC slams govt’s carelessness; CJ questions Centre’s ‘callous attitude’

    By Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday commenting on Mahakumbh and Char Dham Yatra said that the government is causing embarrassment to its own people and questioned why the State cannot learn from its mistakes. 

    The bench comprising Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma remarked, “First we make the mistake of Kumbh Mela, then there is Char Dham. Why do we repeatedly cause embarrassment to ourselves?” 

    The CJ revealing that he has been receiving vedios of sanctum sanctorum of the four shrines- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri crowded with people, remarked, “At least I feel embarrassed when my colleagues start calling me up and say what is happening to your state. I have no explanation because naturally I am not a decision maker. But I am surprised those of you who are decision makers are leaving it so carelessly as if it doesn’t bother anyone’s conscience anymore.”  

    The bench irked by videos and pictures of Char Dham circulating on various social media platforms also questioned, “Anyone is supervising (Char Dham Yatra) or is it left to the priests? What happens if coronavirus spreads among the priests? Even when deity is being worshiped, you can’t permit twenty priests in a small size of space such as sanctum sanctorum.”

    It is to be noted that Char Dham Yatra is suspended this year but rituals are to be continued to uphold tradition without visit of any pilgrims to all four shrines- Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. 

    After Dilip Jawalkar, secretary tourism, Uttarakhand told the bench that for each place of worship there are guidelines in place, the court said, “No one is following your guidelines. Please take a chopper to Char Cham, you will find what the reality is. Please take next chopper to Kedarnath and see for yourself.” 

    The Court added that the government should be asking questions to violators instead of the court intervening in the matter. 

    “With all those videos available on social media, you yourself should be asking these questions instead of court. You are issuing orders on paper which no one is implementing,” the CJ added. 

    “I am sorry to say, we caused embarrassment to ourselves then the rest of the country is saying what in the world is Uttarakhand doing. Can’t Uttarakhand learn from its own mistake? You can fool the Court, but you cannot fool the people. Everyone can see the reality which exists out there. You are playing with the lives of millions of people in the country,” the CJ further remarked.

    The bench in the presence of officials from the state and the centre underlining the lurking threat of the third wave if situation is allowed to go out of hand like in Mahakumbh further added, “Sir, we are accountable to the people and Centre and we can’t again turn ourselves into a hotbed of covid. And not to mention after covid there is black fungus and experts are saying third wave will hit you in six months.”

    The court was hearing a group of public interest litigations clubbed together concerning Covid situation and related issues such as availability of oxygen, other essentials including beds, medicines and medical assistance to urban and rural areas of the state. 

    Next hearing of the matter has been scheduled on June 9, 2021.  

    The court also questioned the centre over diversion of Oxygen from Uttarakhand to other states without fulfilling the state’s demand. 

    Uttarakhand happens to be oxygen surplus state with demand of 180 metric tonnes and production of 350 metric tonnes. The hill state is allowed to take only 120 MT oxygen out of that and rest is being arranged from Jamshedpur and Durgapur. 

    The court questioned, “Why is the centre failing to understand a reasonable request of Uttarakhand? Instead of diverting Uttarakhand’s oxygen to Uttar Pradesh and asking us to import oxygen from Jamshedpur and Durgapur, which takes time, costs, why can’t we take it from our own state?”

    “We fail to understand despite a sharp increase in Covid cases and Uttarakhand being a hilly area, why the oxygen allocation to the state has not been increased to 300 MT?” questioned the CJ. 

    The court also added that it was surprised at the ‘callous attitude of the central government’ and ‘stepmotherly treatment’ as every request of Uttarakhand is falling on deaf ears. 

    The CJ further said, “I am sorry to say this neglect of Uttarakhand is not acceptable to the court. I’d like to believe our state is equal to other states.”

    The court visibly angry over absences of centre’s officials to clarify the situation said that it can issue summons to the official if he is too busy to appear before the court. 

    After state government officials appraised the court that the centre is yet to respond to the communications with regard to the issue, the court stated, “We are not going to take this answer that he is too busy to attend the court.  I am surprised to hear that someone has said is too busy to appear before this court. If he wants, I will issue summons.”

  • Uttarakhand: 93 per cent Covid patients in rural areas kept in home isolation

    By Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: Data from Panchayati Raj Department revealed that out of total 15,981 active Covid cases in rural areas of Uttarakhand, 14,851 (93 per cent) were in home isolation till May 18, 2021. 

    Only 1008 are hospitalized for medical assistance. 

    Anoop Nautiyal from Social Development for Communities Foundation which has been collating and analysing data of Covid said, “The data itself indicates that there could not be greater evidence of complete lack of medical facilities in rural areas of the state. The government must understand that if unchecked, the spread will wreck-havoc in rural areas of the state.”

    Highest number of cases in remote hills/rural areas were recorded in Nainital district with 2951 cases followed by Pauri (2472), Rudraprayag (2192), Chamoli (1615), Haridwar (1471), Uttarkashi (1340), Tehri (1205), Dehradun (1129), Pithoragarh (1030), Almora (367), Bageshwar (107), Udham Singh Nagar (85) and Champawat (17). 

    Out of there 2922 are kept in home isolation in Nainital followed by Rudraprayag (2122), Pauri (2086), Chamoli (1554), Haridwar (1310), Uttarkashi (1260), Tehri (1115), Dehradun (1065), Pithoragarh (925), Almora (347), Udham Singh Nagar (81), Bageshwar (47) and Champawat (17). 

    Responding to the queries about lesser testing, Subodh Uniyal, state cabinet minister and spokesperson for the government said, “The government has announced decentralized Covid policy keeping in mind checking the spread of Covid in rural areas of the state. Under this we are expanding Vividh Care Centers in every block of the state.”

    Meanwhile, on Thursday number of active cases came down to 68,643 from 73172 on Wednesday. The state added 3658 new cases on Thursday while 8006 people recovered. 

    Earlier this week, Uttarakhand slipped to second last spot in the country in terms of recovery rate with 70.3%. The state is just 0.2% ahead of Sikkim which is at last spot. 

    With rise in cases in second wave of Covid 19 recovery rate in Uttarakhand has been dropping. On April 1, 2021 the RR was recorded 94.4% which dipped to 68.9% on May 1, 2021.

  • Uttarakhand government to provide free treatment to labourers, families

    Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has decided to provide 6.75 lakh labourers and their 30 lakh family members/dependents free-of-cost treatment of Covid-19. Harak Singh Rawat, state cabinet minister who is also in charge of the labour department, said, “All assistance will be provided to the workers and their dependents who are engaged in several projects. Assistance will reach the last person in the queue.”

    Labourers from UP, Bihar and other states are working in mega projects such as Char Dham Pariyojana, Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway line, mining fields and many others. Labour department officials said the 6.75 lakh workers registered with the state Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) will be eligible for the assistance.

    Harbans Singh Chug, secretary labour, said: “These workers will get medical help in government as well as private hospitals according to Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Officials said the workers earning less than Rs 21,000 per month would get free medical help from private and government hospitals.Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to file its reply on the vaccination of thousands of workers from Nepal working in various projects in the state. The directions came from a division bench comprising Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma.

    Religious figures criticise linking Kumbh with CovidSeveral prominent Hindu religious figures on Wednesday criticised attempts to link the recent Kumbh Mela in Haridwar with the spread of Covid-19, saying it is an “insult” to people’s faith and traditions.

  • Online registration a hurdle for labourers getting COVID-19 jabs in Uttarakhand

    By PTI
    RISHIKESH: The compulsory requirement of registering online to get a vaccine shot is coming in the way of labourers and their families getting inoculated as they are mostly illiterate and do not have gadgets, according to officials.

    The SOP issued by the Uttarakhand government has kept the movement of labourers in the organised and unorganised sectors free even during a curfew to keep construction works going unhindered, but there is no arrangement yet on how labourers and their families will get vaccinated.

    “The government has made it clear that online registration is a must to get the vaccine. Poor labourers who are mostly uneducated and illiterate find it difficult to register online for vaccination.

    They do not even have the gadgets that are needed for online registration,” Assistant Labour Commissioner KL Gupta said.

    Around seven thousand labourers are registered in Rishikesh who work on different projects in the town and the nearby rural areas, he said.

    Apart from that, thousands of labourers are also engaged separately in the laying of Rishikesh-Karanprayag rail line and the chardham all weather road project.

    “As they are also privately engaged by people at their homes for building purposes apart from working on big government projects, labourers can be potential super spreaders of the virus if they remain unvaccinated and keep moving from one place to another,” Gupta said.

    If the problem is not addressed urgently, it may also undo all that has been done so far to control spread of the second wave of COVID-19, he added.

    The assistant labour commissioner said he is going to bring this problem to the notice of his department head so that something is done without much delay to resolve it.