HIGHEST MOTORABLE VILLAGE GIVES SHOTS TO ALL 45+

SHIMLA: At 4,587 metre above sea level, it’s the world’s highest village connected by a motorable road. But Komic, in Himachal Pradesh’s remote Spiti Valley, is now famous for another reason: all residents aged 45 years and above have been vaccinated for Covid-19.

Komic, another village Hikkim, and Langza, the largest of the three, together comprise Langza panchayat, with a population of 330. Of that, 101 (over the age of 60) and 150 (over 45) have been vaccinated, according to officials.

The panchayat in itself is one of 13 that are part of the larger Kaza block, and where 89% of health care workers, and 79% of those over the age of 60 have been fully vaccinated; and 95% of the population in the 45-plus age group has received one dose. The total population of the block is around 3,500.

“We are happy that the villagers have taken their second dose, too,” says Kaza block medical officer Tenzin Norbu. Despite cases of the viral illness in the region being rare, villagers say they rarely leave their houses and adhere strictly to Covid-19 guidelines to protect themselves against the disease.

A health department team has been visiting the high-altitude villages in the Langza panchayat to vaccinate all residents since January this year.

Climbing over connectivity challenge

“After seniors, now young people are enthusiastic about getting vaccinated. The challenge in this area is limited internet connectivity, so it becomes difficult for them to log on to the Co-Win portal to get registered,” says Padma, the ASHA worker who has been visiting the area. Kaza additional CM Gian Sagar Negi says the state government was requested this month to permit offline registration for vaccinations, and it was subsequently allowed.

Kaza leading the way

Despite its tough, rocky terrain that receives heavy snowfall at regular intervals through the year, the Kaza block, has taken the lead on vaccination in the district. “People have no hesitancy in getting inoculated as they know that the health infrastructure in the region is limited. Everyone here wants to be protected from the virus,” says Padma.