New Delhi (NVI): Take all measures to prohibit the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes by manufacturers and suppliers in order to divert the same to meet the rising demand for medical oxygen in the country and save precious lives, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said in his letter to all Chief Secretaries.
“Keeping in view the rapid surge in cases especially in high-burden states, empowered group has recommended to prohibit the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes with the exception of nine specified industries from April 22 and the union government has accepted the decision,” Bhalla said in his letter to Chief Secretaries.
“Except for nine sectors, supply of oxygen for industrial purposes by manufacturers and suppliers will be prohibited from April 22 as a temporary measure. This has been done to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen to hospitals,” he said.
Nine industries – Ampoules & Vials, Pharmaceutical, Petroleum refineries, Steel plants, Nuclear energy facilities, Oxygen cylinder manufacturers, Waste water treatment plants, Food & water purification, Process industries which require the uninterrupted operation of furnaces, processes, have been exempted from this prohibition.
As India reports massive spikes day after day during the second wave, hospitals and health systems are increasingly coming under pressure and many states are reporting shortages in medical infrastructure, particularly oxygen.
“I urge you to issue necessary instructions to all the authorities and ensure compliance of the decision. It will help in augmenting the supply of medical oxygen and save precious lives,” he said.
Earlier, Indian Railways in a tweet said they are getting fully ready to transport Liquid Medical Oxygen and oxygen cylinders across the key corridors.
