Odisha: Koraput villagers erect bamboo checkposts to restrict movement of visitors

KORAPUT: In the wake of a 21-day national lockdown, residents of 10 villages under Mastiput panchayat in Koraput district have erected temporary bamboo checkposts at the entrance of their respective villages to restrict the entry and exit of visitors.
“The checkposts have been installed to restrict the movement of villagers and outsiders. As the only precaution to defeat the virus is staying home, we can’t be complacent,” Arjun Pradhan, a Dongri villager, said.
Two youths from each village will guard the checkposts on a rotational basis.Every visitor will be screened and asked about his/her purpose of visit. “There is soap and a bucket of water near every checkpost. This will ensure that whoever steps into the village is clean,” Pradhan added.
Several villagers in the district have even perfomed pujas, believing that it would prevent the entry of coronavirus into their village. “We don’t know much about the virus, but learnt that it is very dangerous. God can help us in this crucial moment. We are praying for every life,” Rabi Hantal, a resident of Dalaiguda village, said.