Minister says no shortage of oxygen in Assam
Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Monday said that there is no oxygen shortage in Assam, but still, the state government has decided to stop the supply of life-saving gas to industries. After interacting with representatives of oxygen plants of the state, Patowary also asked them to ramp up production and enhance the capacity to be future-ready for any emergency situation.
Several Indian states are facing shortage of oxygen
Several states of India are facing a shortage of oxygen when COVID-19 cases are surging. "There is no shortage of oxygen and the Assam Government as of today is in a comfortable position with the current daily requirement of oxygen," Patowary said in a statement.
Entire oxygen production will go to medical establishments: Patowary
Patowary stated that the entire oxygen production will go only to the medical college hospitals and various other medical establishments with the supply of the gas being discontinued to industries. The minister also directed the authorities of District Industries and Commerce Centers to coordinate with the manufacturers and to promptly address the issues that may arise.
Oxygen manufacturers should not be driven by profits: Patowary
He also directed the industry department to prepare a roadmap in collaboration with the oxygen manufacturers to manage any crisis situation. The minister also said that profit should not be the motive for oxygen manufacturers and asked them to render service to people. He assured them full government support and the manufacturers agreed to extend all cooperation, the statement said.
At present there are six oxygen manufacturing units in Assam
At present there are six oxygen manufacturing units in Assam with an installed capacity of 61 MT per day along with ample storage capacity, the statement further said. In addition, the Assam Government has installed 10 oxygen separators in medical colleges and hospitals across the state and 10 more will start functioning within a month.
Ensure smooth power supply to oxygen manufacturing units: Patowary
"Following this, Assam will be self-sufficient in case of oxygen requirement in the health sector as per today's scenario," the statement added. Patowary asked the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited to ensure smooth power supply to oxygen manufacturing units for continuous production of the gas.
