Bhubaneswar: National Geographic has featured Odisha Government’s massive mission to supply medical oxygen to 17 deficit States to save precious lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Geographic has released a documentary film entitled “Fighting the Crisis Together l Mission Oxygen” praising the State Government’s effort.
“Covid-19 provided Odisha an opportunity to be a part of the mission to save precious lives across the country by supplying medical oxygen to needy states. Commend all who ensured seamless supply of lifesaving oxygen to states facing shortage,” Mr.Patnaik tweeted, posting a link of a Nat Geo India video, which shows how all the forces and departments joined hands to fight the crisis together.
The channel, in its documentary, presented the details of how Odisha provided more than 28,000 tonnes of medical oxygen to 17 deficit States in two months, being coordinated by Principal Secretary Industries Hemant Sharma.
Mr.Sharma has been playing a crucial role since COVID-19 Pandemic hit the State and has been always at the forefront to handle crisis-be it medicine movement to the State or oxygen transporting to at least 17 deficit states, admit officials.
The medical oxygen was provided majorly from four districts—Angul, Dhenkanal, Sundergarh (Rourkela) and Jajpur.
The Mission witnessed 143 Indian Air force sorties, 159 train trips and 1665 tankers.
When many parts of the country reeling under equate oxygen crisis during the dangerous second wave of the Covid-19, Odisha came for rescue and supplied life saving oxygen to 17 States including Delhi, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The State Government has formed a Task Force headed by Principal Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman Western Odisha Development Council (WODC), Asit Tripathy, comprising of government officers and representatives from industries.
Mr.Tripathy played a crucial role in organizing a very critical and complicated operation, thanks to his Team spirit.
The State Police ensured that medical oxygen was transported through a dedicated corridor to reach thousands of needy patients in other States without any delay.
Additional Director General of Police in the State, YK Jethwa was personally monitoring the movement of oxygen tankers and ensured smooth and timely transportation of the tankers to the destination.
The State has also ensured non-disturb supply of the medical oxygen even during the period when cyclone Yaas hit Odisha.
The Angul Citizens’ Action Forum lauded Angul SP Jagmohan Meena’s efforts for providing a green corridor for the oxygen tankers’ nonstop movement.
