The Covid pandemic has been a challenge for all sections of people, but for the frontline workers it was particularly demanding. Thanks to people like Amit Kumar Mitra, Officer In Charge of the Howrah City Police, who believes it to be the duty of the police force to work for the greater good of the people and protecting them during the hour of crisis, that we the citizens are safe and protected.
Covid prevention
Howrah which was once considered to be the den of Covid has now successfully overcome the situation under the able-leadership of Howrah City Police. “Last year when the situation was deadly we worked tirelessly to give the best precaution we could. We shut down all the bazaars, including meat and vegetable shops and asked all the vendors to rent trolley vans from us for door to door service. This was done so that we could divert the crowds from the bazaar and the mission was successful. We made an excel sheet and registered the names and numbers of all the vendors and shared them with the residents. We had to ensure that no one remains unemployed and their earnings are not hampered. We also collaborated with Grofers, Big Basket and other online stores through which people could regularly procure food. Everything was well taken care of. We have also started a community kitchen where we provided food to 19000 people. It started from May 20 and will continue till June since we want to ensure that nobody goes hungry. Post June we are requesting everyone to get back to their jobs, as things are expected to get back to normal”.
As digitization takes over the world today, every sector is becoming digitized. The police department is also adapting digital techniques to reach out to the masses. “We have a Facebook page where we update all our initiatives. For instance, recently we posted about the relief work done near Fraserganj after cyclone Yaas on all our social media pages”.
Preparing for third wave
According to Amit Kumar Mitra his department is strictly following the guidelines of ICMR and ensuring that the protocols are circulated among all. “I hold meetings regularly where I brief my men about the guidelines and protocols. We are vigilant about ensuring that everyone wears a mask and take necessary actions whenever we find a delinquent. Moreover, we distribute masks as well and have painted the roads with safety guidelines and are ready to make sure that rules are maintained if and when there is a third wave. Many senior police officers have been inspired by our model and this gives us the inspiration to be more proactive,” he shared.
Being the first police officer in my family, the experience was extremely fascinating for Mitra, who feels people do not want to visit police stations until they have no choice but that should not be the case. “Police should build up a friendly image and people should feel free to share their problems with us. This is what I try to do as I firmly believe that if the police have the potential to do a lot for the society if they are so willing”, concludes Mitra.
