The Maharashtra Government currently produces nearly 1,300 metric tonnes (MT) of oxygen each day as demand for oxygen rose sharply at the height of the second wave of the coronavirus.
The government also had to bring in oxygen from outside Maharashtra using trains and tankers. Last month, the State announced new concessions under ‘Mission Oxygen’ to industries that establish oxygen manufacturing plants in their units.
It has now been revealed that the State has received 57 new proposals for such oxygen manufacturing plants since then, which will add around 900 MT of oxygen to the State’s daily capacity.
Read - COVID-19: What Should You Know About The Antiviral Drug Ivermectin?
The incentives offered by the State for oxygen production units include a waiver on stamp duty, special capital subsidy for five years, electricity subsidy of ₹2 per unit for five years, 100 to 150 per cent returns on investment, and 110 per cent refund of gross State GST.
“We are expecting more proposals as June 30 is the last day to apply under the scheme. Subsidy will also be given to units that promise to start production before December 31 this year,” an official said.
The State has reportedly allotted ₹300 crores to provide the incentives to industries that set up oxygen plants. Although a majority of these oxygen generation units will not be ready until December this year, officials said that the State is taking measures to make sure there’s adequate supply prior to the third wave of the coronavirus which is predicted to hit the country in the coming months.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a virtual meeting with manufacturers from across the State on June 24 and requested them to utilize the time now and improve storage and supply capacity for surplus oxygen. Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte said that oxygen units should be established in rural areas to make sure there’s a steady supply across Maharashtra.
Also read - COVID-19 Vaccination: Mumbai Witnessed A Drop In Jabs To 64k; Maharashtra Saw A Dip Too
Share
Tweet
