Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that the next 15 days are crucial for the control and containment of the surge of COVID-19, especially in Odisha. Speaking to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on COVID management in the state today, the Union Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will further bolster Odisha's response to the current and emerging challenges of COVID-19.<br />''<br />''AIR Correspondent reports, suggesting to the Odisha Chief Minister Mr. Patnaik, Union Minister Mr Pradhan said, the Odisha Government should involve members of the civil society as volunteers and watchdogs to strengthen the relief and containment measures at the grass-root level. He also suggested to the Chief Minister to constitute COVID crisis management committees at the village and ward level, comprising members from all political parties in Odisha to synergise efforts for effective management of COVID-19. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Responding to the Chief Minister's quest for enhanced availability of vaccines in Odisha, Mr. Pradhan said that he has had discussions with the Union Ministers Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Mansukh Mandviya on extending all possible support to Odisha, including smooth supply of vaccines, testing kits and critical drugs like Remdesivir.</span><br />