Diplomat Correspondent
Kishtwar, DD, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Sh. Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), today chaired a District Level Task Force meeting to review and finalize preparedness for the upcoming Pulse Polio Immunization Drive, scheduled to be held on 21st, 22nd, and 23rd December 2025 across the district.
At the outset, the DC conducted a comprehensive assessment of the arrangements and issued a series of directions to the HODs of all line departments to ensure the smooth, effective, and well-coordinated execution of the campaign.
The DC directed all CDPOs to work in close coordination with BMOs and instructed that Anganwadi Workers be deployed in municipal areas wherever ASHA workers are unavailable, ensuring that no booth remains unmanned.
The DC directed the ARTO Kishtwar to establish polio booths at major locations, including Bus Stand Kishtwar, Gulabgarh (Paddar), and Chatroo, and to initiate awareness activities among transporters and drivers.
The ACD Kishtwar and CEO Kishtwar were directed to ensure the timely arrangement of logistics across all parts of the district. The DC further emphasized that any shortage of manpower should be addressed with support from the Education Department.
The ALC Kishtwar was directed to intensify awareness among drivers and labourers at all power project sites in the district to ensure universal immunization coverage.
The Municipal Council Kishtwar was directed to mobilize vehicle-mounted public announcements to raise community awareness about the Pulse Polio Campaign.
Additionally, the DC directed the District Information Officer (DIO) Kishtwar to implement effective communication strategies through electronic, print, and social media platforms.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the ongoing global circulation of the polio virus poses a substantial risk of importation, particularly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, where WPV transmission persists. He emphasized the need for sustained vigilance, robust surveillance, and high vaccination coverage to safeguard children in Kishtwar.
He also stressed the importance of training all staff engaged in the campaign and directed that ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, school teachers, NGOs, religious leaders, and community influencers be mobilized for last-mile coverage, ensuring that every child under 5 years of age receives polio vaccine drops as scheduled.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed all line departments to maintain comprehensive synergy and robust interdepartmental coordination to ensure the successful execution of the Pulse Polio Immunization Drive 2025.
The meeting was attended by CPO Kishtwar Akhil Thakur, ACD Kishtwar Manoj Kumar, CDPO Inderwal/DIO Kishtwar Dr. Kuldeep Kumar, ALC Kishtwar Mamta Sudarshan, ARTO Kishtwar Tasleem Wani, CDPO Nagseni Najeeb Latief, CEO Kishtwar Sanjay Dogra, I/C CMO Kishtwar Dr. Yudhvir Singh Kotwal, BMO Kishtwar Dr. Anil Sharma, BMO Dachan Dr. Sajad Hussain, BMO Paddar Dr. Krishan Singh Katoch, besides other officers and concerned staff.DD
