SRINAGAR: The District Disaster Management Authority, Srinagar, is initiating second phase of mass testing beginning 17th September, with aim to test more than 60,000 citizens in municipal wards.
The first phase of mass testing, with focus on markets and government offices, culminated on Wednesday with 32,000 tests conducted in 12 days.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation has deployed Ward Officers in 74 wards to facilitate DDMA and Health authorities for Phase-II of special drive.
The special drive to conduct Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) was launched on 3rd September. Teams of health department aided by staff from various departments including Education and ICDS were deputed. Tehsildars coordinated with market associations, office establishments and various organisations, with active involvement of Police and Municipal officials, for making arrangements. Zonal teams were headed by respective Medical Officers.
During the special drive which covered 139 locations including markets, work places and offices, more than 32,000 RATs were conducted in which 2,116 persons tested positive, including more than 310 at work places/offices.
Deputy Commissioner (Chairman DDMA), Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary informed that during the last 15 days, 49,334 rapid tests have been conducted in various zones, which include 32,000 tests under special drive at identified areas.
The health department previously conducted 36,966 RTPCR tests in various health zones of Srinagar apart from testing 47,027 air travellers on arrival at Srinagar.
Choudhary has appealed to the public to cooperate with field officers for Phase-II of special drive, which will focus on testing in Municipal Wards. The second phase will begin from 17th September and cover Harwan, Nishat, Brein and Dalgate on day 1, Pantha Chowk, Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Ikhrajpora on 18th September, Mehjoor Nagar, Chhanpora, Natipora and Badshah Mohalla on 19th, Baghat, Rawalpora, Hyderpora and Humhama on 21st, Hamdania Colony, Solina, Alochibagh and Sheikh Dawood Colony on 22nd, Ziyarat Batmalloo, Shaheed Gunj, Karan Nagar and Chhattabal on 23rd, Qamarwari, Bemina East, Bemina West and Nundrishi Colony on 24th, Parimpora, Zainakote, Lawaypora and Mujgund on 25th, Tankipora, Syed Ali Akbar, Basant Bagh and Fatehkadal on 26th, Munawarabad, Khankah e Mualla, Maharjgunj and Jamia Masjid on 28th, Makhddom Sahib, Khwaja Bazaar, Aqilmir Khanyar and Rauzabal on 29th, Daulatabad, Islamyarbal, Nawabazar and Nawakadal on 30th.
Safakadal, Rathpora, Eidgah and Palpora will be covered on 1st October, Tarabal, Kawdara, Hawal and Alamgiri Bazar on 3rd October, Gillikadal, Nowshera, Lal Bazar and Botshah on 5th October, Umar Colony, Jogilankar, Kathidarwaza and Lakut Dal on 6th, Bud Dal, Hazratbal, Tailbal and Habbak on 7th, Soura, Buchpora, Ahmad Nagar and Zakura on 8th, Chhaterhama and Bagh e Mehtab Shankerpora on 9th.

KR Desk