COVID-19: NTPC contributes Rs 257.5 crore to PM CARES Fund

New Delhi: NTPC Limited, India's largest power producer, contributed Rs 250 crore to the PM CARES Fund to support the government in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition to this, NTPC's employees have also contributed their one day salary amounting Rs 7.5 crore to PM CARES Fund for this novel cause. "NTPC feels honoured to be a part of the contribution from the Public Sector undertakings (PSUs) of the Ministry of Power which has contributed Rs 925 crore to the PM CARES Fund. Rs 11 crore is being spent additionally by NTPC for protective measures at various locations as on March 31, towards awareness and health camps for people in the vicinity," NTPC said in a statement.

NTPC has also committed Rs 25 lakhs to the District Administration of Kawas (Gujrat), Solapur (Maharashtra), Anta (Rajasthan), Mauda (Maharashtra) and Jhanor (Gujarat) to fight the pandemic. Moreover, NTPC is working towards creating extensive awareness drive hoardings, banners in its operational areas along with encouraging the people to stay safe and be at home through announcements on loudspeakers.

Further, one wing of the Sundargarh (Odisha) Medical College and Hospital, consisting of 200 bed has been handed over to the District Administration on March 30. At various plant locations, NTPC has made arrangements for food and medical facilities along with distribution of sanitisers and soaps for contract labourers, workers and to locals. Food packets, daily essentials groceries, milk and vegetables are regularly being supplied at many locations for the family members of workers. Further, NTPC has taken several initiatives to contain the spread of the virus and setting up dedicated COVID-19 units at its hospitals. This has been done utilizing 45 hospitals and health units with 140 beds to make isolation facilities. Along with it, a total of 8 ventilators are being procured at Hazaribagh (Jharkhand) for district administration. At present, there are seven ventilators in the project hospitals.

Additionally, there are 18 advanced level ambulances with ventilators. Another 10 ventilators are in the process of procurement for different hospitals. Efforts are being made to acquire additional PPEs, sanitisers from available agencies. All the trained health care staff at NTPC Townships are observing the Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines and are using Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) as per the guidelines issued by the administration. Provisions are also made for the health screening of all associate staffs engaged at canteens, guest houses and dining halls.

Also, strict provisions are in place for screening of visitors & employees entering NTPC premise with thermal scanners/ screeners. Plant canteens and dining halls are provided with adequate handwashing facilities and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. Despite this pandemic situation, NTPC is making sure that there is no gap in power generation and taking all precautionary measure to ensure the same.