The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is all set to get the machines to disinfect public places “similar” to the ones which were used in Wuhan, China – the place where coronavirus originated. Commissioner SMC, Gazanfar Ali said of the four machines ordered by the Corporation two will arrive on Sunday. “These machines have a capacity to disinfect large areas in shortest possible time. They can spray in any direction and up to greater longitude,” he said. Till now, the SMC, which is on the forefront in carrying disinfection in the summer capital Srinagar, was using small machines. The new machines can force the chemical mixed water into 360 degree directions, covering several meters in radius, the Commissioner said. “Through these machines, we will be able to not only disinfect roads and walls but also roofs and tops of structures. The quick and effective disinfection process is important to break the chain and presence of virus,” the Commissioner said. He said the SMC will receive two other machines shortly. Meanwhile, with the surge in COVID-19 cases, the SMC has widened its area of operation. “As the virus continues to spread, control measures are becoming more stringent. We appeal people to make lockdown a success. We are out to disinfect Srinagar,” said Secretary SMC, Muhammad Akbar Sofi. On Saturday, additional men and machinery were pressed into service for sanitation of various areas. The special focus was given to the areas which reported fresh positive cases. The drive was carried out in Chattabal area of Bemina and Jawahar Nagar. The SMC teams carried on sterilization and fumigation in residential houses, their premises and even vehicles. The Corporation is using a special chemical, Quaternary Ammonium Chloride, highly recommended by World Health Organization, for disinfection. In a sudden spurt in the infection cases in Kashmir, seven more COVID-19 positive cases were reported from Valley on Saturday, taking total number of the cases to 21 in Kashmir. The SMC Commissioner lauded “efforts” of the field staff in performing their job. He said the field staff especially safaikaramcharies and supervisors engaged in sterilization and sanitation process were on the forefront to defeat the COVID-19.
