News Brief
Swarajya Staff
Mar 31, 2020, 02:28 PM | Updated 02:28 PM IST
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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday (30 March) expressed intense displeasure over the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration's response to Covid-19 spread.
In a meeting held with officers of the district administration, Adityanath directed his piercing remarks on the district administration's inability to take pointed action for curbing the spread of Covid-19 positive cases.
Adityanath has been concerned over the rise in Covid-19 cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar (formerly known as Noida). He has been touring cities to take stock of the steps and preparations underway to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The crisis involving the migrant workforce on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border has prompted Adityanath to further tighten his government's response against Covid-19.
He said that the inability of officers will not be covered up by blame game. He came down heavily on the work culture in Noida district administration and pulled up District Magistrate BN Singh.
As a result, Singh asked the state to relieve him of his duties on 30 March. Singh sought three months (earned) leave on personal grounds, according to a report.
Adityanath's reactions at the meeting indicated that he has been particularly upset as enough has not been done in locating those people who are spreading the coronavirus in Noida. There is a strong reason.
A company called Cease Fire has emerged as the core of the Covid-19 trouble in Noida. Adityanath has seen that it has happened right under the nose of the district administration. He expected stern action against violators and proactive measures on the alerts, indications and the rise in cases.
The Times of India said in its report on 30 March: “Six more persons tested positive for Covid-19 in Noida, two more in Ghaziabad and one in Bareilly on Sunday, all employees of the fire safety company Cease Fire or their family members.”
According to the same report, at least 20 more people in contact with them are showing Covid-19 related symptoms. The situation could lead to the emergence of a local transmission chain, the authorities fear.
Out of the 38 cases from Noida on the evening of 30 March, 25 were linked to the company Cease Fire which has its office in Noida. According to health department, the source of the infection was an auditor from Britain who had visited the company.
A list of 161 people working for the company has been prepared for screening. Among these people are those residing in Noida and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
IAS officer Suhas LY has been appointed the new DM. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Singh.