New Delhi, April 16 : The Defence Ministry has requested states to release the disaster response fund to cantonment boards to intensify their fight against the spread of coronavirus. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar had requested chief secretaries across the country to release State Disaster Response Fund to the cantonment boards also. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was on Thursday informed about the measures being taken by 62 cantonment boards to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Director General Defence Estates (DGDE) Deepa Bajwa assured Singh of the commitment of cantonment boards in the fight against the pandemic. Bajwa gave an overview of the ongoing actions in all cantonments, such as maintenance of sanitation, medical services and water supply. She also apprised him about the steps being taken for identifying hospitals, schools and community halls for quarantine facilities and continuous measures for public awareness among residents and enforcement of social distancing. "Provision of food and dry ration have also been made for the vulnerable sections in association with NGOs/social organisations," the Defence Ministry said. The Defence Minister also found that Chief Executive Officers of cantonment boards are maintaining regular liaison with district administrations and local military authorities. Singh also noted that Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has taken up the matter with the chief secretaries for release of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to the cantonment boards also. While acknowledging the efforts, Singh stressed that Cantonment Boards should ensure the highest standards of sanitation and hygiene and fumigation, specifically in the populated civil areas. He stressed that special care should be taken to provide food and shelter to the vulnerable sections of migrants and daily wagers. /IANS