Punjab Government Shuts Iron, Steel Industries To Divert Oxygen For Medical Use

Ordering closure of industrial operations at iron and steel plants, said the Chief Minister in a statement, adding that the state government will convey its decision to the centre.

With many hospitals reporting a shortage of oxygen amid spiralling coronavirus cases, the Punjab government on Saturday ordered the closure of operations at the state's iron and steel industry to divert oxygen for medical use. Oxygen along with LPG is used in induction, arc furnaces and rolling mills to cut and shape the iron and steel items to be used by different industry verticals. Iron and steel units are mostly concentrated in Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also ordered immediate establishment of oxygen control rooms at the state and district-level. Ordering closure of industrial operations at iron and steel plants, said the Chief Minister in a statement, adding that the state government will convey its decision to the centre.