Oxygen for industrial use to be diverted for Covid-19 patients: Centre | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Oxygen for industrial use to be diverted for Covid-19 patients: Centre

By | Edited by Mallika Soni
Apr 18, 2021 09:34 PM IST

The prohibition of supply of oxygen to the industrial sector, however, will not apply to petroleum, nuclear energy, waste water management, food and water purification, pharmaceutical, process industries.

Amid rise in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in several states, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla asked all chief secretaries on Sunday to take measures to prohibit the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except for those that fall in the exempted category. Oxygen is an important element used in the treatment of certain medical conditions which arise due to the Covid-19 infection.

A health worker checks oxygen cylinders at a makeshift Covid-19 quarantine facility set up in a banquet hall in New Delhi, India. (Bloomberg)
A health worker checks oxygen cylinders at a makeshift Covid-19 quarantine facility set up in a banquet hall in New Delhi, India. (Bloomberg)

“Keeping in view the rapid rise in COVID cases and resultant rapid demand for medical oxygen, particularly in high-burden states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, etc, EG-II has reviewed the supply of oxygen for industrial use in order to divert the same to meet the rising demand for medical oxygen in the country and save precious lives,” Bhalla wrote in a letter to all chief secretaries.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“I urge you to issue necessary instructions to all the authorities concerned in your state to ensure compliance to the decision and take necessary measures to prohibit the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes, except those exempted nine industries,” he added.

The exempted industries include: ampoules and vials, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refineries, steel plants, nuclear energy facilities, oxygen cylinder manufacturers, wastewater treatment plants, food and water purification and process industries which require uninterrupted operation of furnaces as approved by the state governments, according to the order.

Read more: 'Shameless politics': Piyush Goyal to Uddhav Thackeray after Maharashtra complains of oxygen shortage

After the order, Union minister Piyush Goyal said that the measure has been taken to ensure adequate supply of oxygen to hospitals.

"Before COVID pandemic hit India, our daily medical oxygen consumption was around 1000-1200 metric tonnes. But on April 15, 4,795 metric tonnes of medical oxygen was used in the country. We've increased production capacity in last one year," Goyal said according to news agency ANI.

The government also gave a break-up of the shares that will be allotted to states which face the shortage of oxygen. Maharashtra will get the largest share with 1,646 metric tonnes of oxygen, followed by Uttar Pradesh which will be given 752 metric tonnes and Delhi which will be allotted 378 metric tonnes.


Earlier in the day, following reports of shortage of oxygen supply for Covid-19 patients across several states, the Indian Railways said that it will operate ‘Oxygen Express’ trains for the transport of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) and oxygen cylinders.

Several states have reported shortage of oxygen with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal saying on Sunday that the national capital was facing a “very serious” situation amid the rise in Covid-19 cases which has resulted in shortage of crucial drugs and oxygen. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had also talked about the shortage of oxygen in his address to the people of the state on April 13.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On