Raigarh: Indian bureaucracy played a stellar role to ensure the people did not face any problems due to unprecedented situations caused by Covid-19 during its first and second waves. If the first wave of the coronavirus was like a bolt from the blue, the second wave of Covid-19 was no less challenging for the bureaucracy and other stakeholdes to deal with.

“The second wave of Covid-19 had thrown up a different set of challenges. We were certainly better placed but the task was not less than a litmus test for us. We were determined to ensure that no one would be allowed to stay hungry come what may. We reached out to over 40,000 people with ration and food packets during the second wave of Covid-19 like we provided foods to thousands of needy people and migrant labourers in the last wave,” said Santosh Kumar Singh, senior IPS officer and Superintendent of Police (SP), Raigarh while talking to Rajeev R Roy of Bureaucrats India.

Singh, who had created a world record by distributing 12.37 lakh masks on a single day during the first wave of Covid-19 last year in its mask promotion drive, namely,  'EK Rakshasutra Mask Ka', said that he was personally touched to see the plight of lesser mortals, who used to survive on their bare minimum source of income.

“It was difficult for them to meet their two ends meal against hardships caused by Covid-19. We got in touch with all stakeholders including NGOs, civil society members and youths. We discussed the plan with them. They heartily agreed to extend all possible help. Thankfully, we were able to reach the needy with over 40,000 ration and food packets in two months’ time,” added Singh, whose compassionate way of policing has earned him laurels from quarters of society.

The Raigarh SP revealed that along with providing ration and food packets, needy people were assisted in passes, transportation, information about the availability of beds, etc., through Police Help Desks. At the same time, efforts were made to ensure that no black marketing of oxygen and other essential drugs take place so that those in need of critical support do not have to suffer at all.

“We adopted a multi-pronged strategy to provide the best of services to the people of Raigarh. As I said earlier, there was a great response from the city residents as well. They came forward with all kinds of help. The spirit of social bonhomie was at its peak. Our people – men in khaki – also did a fantastic job. They were on their toes round the clock. I am proud of them,” he said.

Sharing his moments of fulfillment and disappointment, Singh said: “For a cop or man in uniform, the first and foremost duty is to rise to the occasion to help the people. Every effort in that direction gives us an utmost sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Similarly, every failure not able to do so disappoints you. The pandemic has taught us many new things to perform policing in a much better manner.” 

The Raigarh Police actively involved in picketing and patrolling, manning border checking points and railway stations, security of Covid hospitals, quarantine centres and containment zones and assisted the District Administration in contact tracing..

Talking about his preparedness for the third wave, which is said to be looming over us, the young and dynamic IPS officer said: “We are always prepared to deal with any kind of situations. We are urging the people to wear masks and stick to appropriate Covid-19 behaviour. Violators are being taken to task. With the people’s support, we are confident that the impact of the third wave will be nipped in the bud.” /BI/