Bhubaneswar: In what can be considered a major decision, the Odisha government on Thursday revoked/de-notified the Disaster Management Act for COVID-19 containment measures after a gap of two years.
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) in its latest notice said, “Whereas, the government of India in the Minister of Home Affairs, vide D.O No.40-3/2020-DM-I (A) dated 22.03.2022 has communicated that after taking into consideration the overall improvement in the COVID situation and preparedness of government to deal with the pandemic, NDMA has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provision of the DM act for COVID containment measure.”
“Accordingly, after the expiry of the existing MHA order no.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 25th February, 2022, no further order may be issued by MHA. However, MoHFW advisories on COVID containment measures, including on the use of masks and hand hygiene, will continue to guide the overall national response to the pandemic issued revised guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution with regard to COVID-19 pandemic,” it added.
“And whereas, MHA, GOI has also instructed that all States/UTs to consider appropriately discontinue issue of orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for COVID measures,” the notification further said adding that in pursuance of the provisions under section 2 (d) of the Disaster Management Act 2005 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Act’), the State government do hereby revoke/de-notify the order no.1706/R & DM (DM) dated 13.03.2020. Henceforth, orders and guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 shall not be issued for COVID containment measures. Wherever any surge in the number of cases is observed, the health & FW Department, Govt. of Odisha may take prompt and proactive action as advised by MoHFW, GOIU from time to time.”
Ms Kalinga