The state government has modified its revised lockdown guidelines to allow carrying out of pre-monsoon-related works in Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, badly hit by the coronavirus outbreak. In its revised guidelines issued on April 21 regarding relaxation of lockdown rules, the government had withdrawn all concessions to Mumbai and Pune regions, which account for a bulk of the more than 6,000 coronavirus cases in Maharashtra. However, in an order issued on Thursday, the government said all pre-monsoon related works, including metro rail and any work permitted by the municipal commissioners of these three cities, will be allowed.
Bedsides, attendants and care givers of senior citizens residing in their homes will also be allowed to function during the lockdown. In relaxation to agriculture and horticulture, facilities for export/import such as pack houses, inspection and treatment facilities for seeds and horticulture produce, research establishments, inter and intra-state movement of planting materials, honey bee colonies, honey and other beehive products have been permitted.
Essential goods supply will include food processing units like bread factories, milk processing plants, flourmills and dal mills. Shops selling electric fans have been included in relaxations provided to private and commercial establishments, it said. The order said responsibility of implementing social distancing and proper hygiene practices while carrying out these activities will be with the head of the organisation concerned to ensure compliance with lockdown norms.
