Companies asked for CSR aid as dengue cases rise to 553 at Barbil

Keonjhar, July 12: Even as the number of dengue-affected persons at
Barbil in Keonjhar district rose to 553 after 19 new blood samples tested
positive on Tuesday, the district administration has asked the corporate houses
and companies operating in the mineral rich district to provide support under corporate
social responsibility (CSR).

According to District Vector Control-in-charge Baladev Nanda, 19
out of 91 blood samples tested dengue positive on Tuesday taking the total figure
to 553.

On Monday, Keonjhar ADM Sangram Keshari Swain had convened a
review meeting attended by representatives of corporate houses and local
people.

Though the the companies hesitated to contribute extra amount
over the amount of tax provided to the District Mineral Fund at the outset but
they agreed to contribute after local youths threatened to close their (companies’)
offices if they don’t take up CSR activities at the time of crisis in Barbil.

Accordingly, the Essel Mining has provided a doctor and a nurse
for the PHC and a tractor with four labours for cleaning the PHC premises.

Similarly, JSPL in collaboration with other companies have
taken the charge of larva fogging.

Among others, Champua Sub-Collector Gaurahari Behera, Barbil
Tehsildar Arun Kumar Mallick, Barbil Municipality Chairman Dilip Mishra , Municipality
Executive Officer PK Jena, Padmashri Tulasi Munda and local youths like
Debapriya Mishra, Indrajit Yadav and Sanjaya Keshari were present.