Cops told to stop migrants from advancing on foot, cycles

Bhubaneswar: The state government has asked police to prevent movement of migrants on foot and on cycles in view of the impending super cyclone Amphan. The police personnel have also been asked to trace migrants taking shelter under trees and in dilapidated structures and to move them to safer places.
Although the government mobilised vehicles three days ago to transport migrants to interstate border checkpoints, many have literally missed the bus. “We fear a threat to the lives of migrant workers who are still walking to return to their homes in other states. As we expect heavy rain and gusty winds from Monday evening under the impact of Amphan, their movement should be stopped. Police and district administrations should rescue them and arrange temporary shelter for them,” a senior officer of the revenue and disaster management department said.
The movement of Shramik Special trains, carrying migrant workers from other states to Odisha, has been temporarily suspended in view of the advancing super cyclone.
The government has alerted the SPs of coastal districts like Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur to dissuade migrants from travelling on foot and cycles. These four districts are likely to bear the brunt of Cyclone Amphan on Wednesday.
“Since West Bengal is likely to be badly hit, steps should be taken by the administrations in Balasore and Mayurbhanj to stop the movement of migrants from Odisha to the neighbouring state till Wednesday or Thursday,” the officer said.
DGP Abhay, who took stock of Amphan preparedness and Covid-19 management in Balasore and Bhadrak on Monday, said his force was taking steps to protect migrants moving on foot and cycles. “We are alert to the dangers. Police continue to transport migrants in buses to mitigate their pain. SPs are working in coordination with other departments for the safety of migrants during the super cyclone,” Abhay said.
Civil society organisations have also come forward to alert the government about the unsafe shelters migrants have been forced to rest in. “We spotted around 80 migrants living under a parking lot shed behind Khandagiri complex in Bhubaneswar. With the impending cyclone, we would humbly like to bring their plight to your (the government’s) notice for action,” read a tweet by Project Rahat, a voluntary outfit.