Bandipora, April 11 (KNS): In order to ensure the safety of general public amid Corona virus pandemic, Bandipora Administration has started manufacturing masks for each and every citizen of the district and has hired in the services of Self Help Groups and local artisans.

Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza said that every citizen of the district will be provided a mask as it has been mandatory to wear mask. He said administration has started making masks and targets to make and distribute 4 lakh masks till April 20.

He said the administration has roped in hundreds of local entrepreneur, self-help groups (SHGs) for the mass production of masks in the district and meet the deadline of April 20. Mirza said the masks are made under the guidelines and all the raw material is being provided to the SHGs for the production of the same.

Assistant Commissioner Revenue who is looking after the COVID-19 preventive measures, said so far seventy thousand masks have been manufactured and distributed to the rural population through the Department of Rural Development.

He said out of these 48174 masks were prepared by SHGs of SRLM adding that they are ensuring rapid production, distribution and outreach of masks so as to achieve universal mask usage in the district.

He said that for this the Department was utilizing the services of local tailor shops, Self Help Groups of SRLM, KVIB and community participation including PRIs. He said the masks are being provided as a preventive measure.(KNS)