6,177 metric tonnes of oxygen to be supplied to states; Maharashtra to get biggest share!
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New Delhi, April 19: Amid the shortages of medical oxygen in several states especially in Maharashtra, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, "6,177 metric tonnes of oxygen will be given to these states", adding that Maharashtra will get the biggest share of oxygen after mapping done by the Centre.
Goyal said central government did mapping in a meeting with governments of 12 states and union territories most affected by COVID-19 and 6,177 metric tonnes of oxygen will be given to these states. He said that - Maharashtra - the worst state affected by COVID-19 will get the biggest share of 1,500 metric tonnes of oxygen and a green corridor is being created for fast movement of 'Oxygen Express Trains' to facilitate the smooth transport of oxygen to states.
Goyal told a news agency in an interview that the government has taken key decisions for inceasing supply of medical oxygen in view of increasing cases of COVID-19 which include limiting industrial oxygen to nine industries. "We are witnessing an unprecedented crisis due to COVID-19 pandemic. In some states, the cases can be seen going beyond control, like Maharashtra, Delhi, and some other states," he said.
He said that different ministries and departments of the central government are having elaborate meetings every two days with 12 states and mapping was done to identify which plant will supply oxygen to which place according to the requirement of different states "without any discrimination".
"Today in a meeting with 12 states, Central government did mapping along with state governments on various requirements. 6177 metric tonnes of oxygen have been finalized to be distributed to states. Of this Maharashtra will get the biggest share of 1,500 metric tonnes of oxygen, Delhi will get 350 metric tonnes and Uttar Pradesh will get 800 metric tonnes," the Union Minister said.
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Goyal, who is also Railway Minister, said the states should take steps towards demand control and medical oxygen should be given to needy patients only. Goyal noted that the Centre is creating a green corridor for fast movement of 'Oxygen Express Trains' to facilities for the smooth transport of oxygen to states.
"A decision has been taken to start transportation of oxygen cylinders or tankers in trains. The transportation of cylinders has already started. Green corridors will be introduced to ensure a fast supply of oxygen where these trains can reach their destination at a high speed," he said.
For the transportation of liquid oxygen, military wagons will be used to transport 3.3 meter high tankers. These trains will not be stopped so that they can reach their destination at a fast speed." he said.