Inspector S. K. Pradhan

“As per the Government guidelines, the lockdown is extended in Odisha as well as nationwide. Some areas are under shutdown, meaning complete curfew in that area; and some under lockdown, meaning restricted access for security measures.

In our area, essentials are available from 7AM to 6PM.

First phase: Complete shutdown was ensured where no one should be seen outdoors. Our people can be called fortunate enough because until now, we had never been this close to what a lockdown was, unlike you know, certain other states or so. Our people took some time to let the concept sink in. It was under our duty and gradually the local people were made to understand that this widespread dangerous virus, Corona, could be avoided by social distancing only. Staying home is our only way, as of now.

We continued patrolling and announcing but at the end of the day, around 75% of the people adhered to it while 25% didn’t. Action was taken against the latter, after proper introspection. This turned the 70% to 90% but there are still those 10% of people, mostly the young boys of this rural area, who are still stubborn and in denial that any such thing could harm them. They have this terrible habit of playing cards in the evening that they cannot seem to overcome that.

Phase 2: Shops were opened so that people could have access to necessities. To ensure social distancing, proper measures were taken by us- Marks were given as positions and any way otherwise wasn’t allowed.

Phase 3: Shops are opened from 7AM to 6PM. We make sure that everyone is indoors by the curfew time. The migrants have returned now. Temporary Medical Centres have been set up in every panchayat for their quarantine stay. Our area has set up 32 TMCs. We are ensuring that their needs are attended well. They have been very cooperative with us and we haven’t faced any disturbance till now.

Although they say family comes first, for us, it is our second priority. Our people, our state, come first. This is a war. War between Nature and Human Race. If human beings don't respect the boundaries of nature, nature will respond in such a manner.

When the Government guidelines are taken for granted, we put ourselves, our family as well as all of others in trouble. Hence, it is our appeal to the public to observe the rules of social distancing. Covid-19 has taught us that unity can achieve anything. The police force, the Government and the medical department cannot do it by themselves. We need your help as much as you need ours. Only then we can defeat Corona virus!” – Inspector Sujit Kumar Pradhan [12.05.20]