Maharashtra likely to extend lockdown in major cities till May 31

Mumbai : In a cabinet meeting of senior minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray discussed the extension of lockdown in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Malegaon, Aurangabad and more till May 31. He has also asked the state administrations to submit a report on what activities can be allowed in places falling under Red zones but are not containment areas.

The meeting was held to discuss further steps after the current nationwide lockdown ends on May 17. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil, Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat, Industries Minister Subhash Desai and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde at Old Mayor bungalow in Dadar.

Maintaining that the lockdown would be extended in these areas, a senior minister said: “We discussed what relaxations can be given and what measures should be taken in red zones or hotspot areas such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Malegoan and Aurangabad. We all agreed to extend the lockdown in these areas till May 31, as saving the lives of the people is the priority.”

Last week, Uddhav Thackeray had supported the call to extend the lockdown during the CMs video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Another minister said they all suggested how economic activities can be resumed. 

“I said that we have given permission to 68,000 industrial units till yesterday and around 47,000 units have started their operations, employing 9.5 lakh labourers. This is the status of the industrial units in orange and green zones. Industrial operations are increasing and will gradually reach normal proportions,” Industries Minister Subhash Desai told The Indian Express.

He added that it was discussed whether any activity can be allowed outside the containment zones in red zones. “The administration has been instructed to submit a report on what activities can be allowed. We will meet in a day or two after the report is submitted,” said Desai.

Maharashtra has been the worst hit state in India with coronavirus infection.