PCMC: Industrial Town In Dilemma Over District Collector’s This Decision
Pimpri, September 10, 2020: District collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh has directed to supply 80 percent of the oxygen cylinders to COVID patients and rest 20 percent for the industrial purpose. This has badly impacted the twin-town Pimpri Chinchwad which is known as the industrial town of the state.
President of small scale industry Sandeep Belsare said, “this decision by the health department has severely impacted the industries which are trying to gain grounds after lockdown and the pandemic. If this decision is not reverted, then, it is likely that the industrial sector would go again on ventilator.”
He said, “considering the rising number of corona cases, it was understandable to provide extra cylinders for the health sector, but that does not mean the industrial cylinders need to be diverted there. Fabrication, plasma cutting art and rubber, plastic need oxygen on a large scale. Suddenly the prices of the cylinders have escalated. The oxygen which was available for Rs 20 cubic feet now priced at Rs 28 cubic foot. Black marketing has started.”
“It is imperative to take immediate steps to save the industry as well as stop this black marketing”, he demanded.
