Shikhar Sammelan: 'States Should Be Able To Decide The Roadmap Of The Lockdown,' Says Bhupesh Baghel

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel discusses measures used in Chhattisgarh to combat the coronavirus and why state government should be given more power to decide about future actions.

New Delhi: The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel joined ABP’s conclave ‘e-shikhar sammmlan’ and discussed how the state has been successful in maintaining a low number of coronavirus cases and why the state government is better equipped to decide about the lockdown. Baghel said that timely measures such as sealing the state borders ensured that the virus did not spread exponentially. The state has often used actions which are opposite to Centre’s suggestions but they have so far proved to be advantageous for example instead of only following Centre’s suggestion of isolation model to deal with those infected with coronavirus, the state followed the South Korean model of 3Ts- Trace, Test, Treat. “This method helped a lot in tracing people with foreign travel history. We were then able to isolate them, observe, and give adequate treatment. I also people that the citizens of the state have been very cooperative, and they supported our endeavors. This helped in tracing infected persons faster.” The minister also said that many of the steps taken by the state have later been utilised by the central government like the special train service that started today to help migrant laborers reach their homes. “In Jammu, there are many workers from Chhattisgarh. Sending a bus that far is not feasible and there is a danger that people may get infected and then spread it to others on the way. We have even written a letter to Amit Shah. I suggested that instead trains can be used to help migrants reach home. I am happy to see that the government has started the service, and this will help those stranded immensely.” Also Watch: The minister also said that states should be given more power in deciding the roadmap to combat the virus and lifting the lockdown. “The state government has a better understanding of every district. And they will be better equipped to make an informed decision on how to lift the lockdown and start an economic revival. Especially about what activities should begin in green zones, I think the state government will have a better understanding. While it is necessary that places that attract a lot of crowd such as cinema halls should remain shut, it is important to start with other economic activities while maintaining social distancing.”