With a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases, the worst-pandemic-affected state of Maharashtra will come under strict lockdown-type measures from Wednesday for a fortnight’s time.
However, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced a slew of initiatives to help people, particularly those who depend on hand-to-mouth sustenance.
Prohibitory orders - section 144 (sanchar-bandhi) – will be imposed day-night from April 14 till May 1. Besides, the night curfew, as earlier, would continue.
Although essential services and the public transportation system, including Mumbai’s suburban railway, would continue to run, no one would be allowed to move without a valid reason except for people notified under essential services.
“We have to take strong measures….we have to save lives….let's start a Corona-bhagao mission…we are not calling it lockdown, but surely the measures which are already in place is being enhanced...whether you call it strict restrictions or lockdown-type measures, it is not an issue…what is important is that we have to fight out the pandemic and all what is necessary would be done," Thackeray said in his webcast to the state.
However, the vaccination drive would continue.
All establishments, public places, activities and services will remain closed as part of the Break-the-Chain initiative.
The chief minister said that hospital beds of all types – normal beds, oxygenated beds, ICU beds and ventilators – are being augmented across the state.
He admitted that there was shortage of medical oxygen and Remdesivir injections in the state, however, he added that efforts are underway to overcome the crisis.
“The health infrastructure has been burdened. Everything has a limit, if you stretch it beyond its limit, it will collapse,” he said.
As the situation is becoming more serious, Thackeray requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to treat the pandemic as “natural calamity” and extend relief to states.
He also requested Modi to help out in transportation of oxygen cylinders and sought help from the armed forces, especifically, the Indian Air Force. “The oxygen plants are located across the country and transporting it takes time and hence, we are requesting for IAF help,” he said.
Thackerary said the time period for GST returns filing should be increased by two to three months amid the existing crisis.
The Maharashtra government will provide 3 kg wheat and 2 kg rice free for next one month to every poor and needy person in the state while coronavirus-induced restrictions are in place. “There would be roughly seven crore beneficiaries,” he said.
Thackeray pointed out that on January 26, 2020, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government had launched its flagship Shiv Bhojan Thali, a meal priced at Rs 10. “When the lockdown was announced last year, it was made available at Rs 5. Now we have decided to give it free to the needy people during the fortnight,” he said.
A total of Rs 5,400 crore has been earmarked to execute various measures.
“We are not shutting down public transport, but they will be used only for emergency and essential activities for the general public,” he said.