Pharma industry will be given priority to come back into operation post Taukate: Goyal

New Delhi, May 17 (KNN) Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that the pharma industry, especially oxygen producers, will be given priority to resume their operations once the severe cyclonic storm falls away.

The Minister said this on Sunday while interacting with the industry on preparedness for cyclone Taukate.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Taukate is expected to reach the Gujarat coast on Monday evening and cross between Porbandar and Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) Tuesday early morning, which will lead to winds with the speed of over 150 km/h, heavy rainfall and high tidal waves.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of continuous availability of oxygen, maintaining a buffer stock of medicines and essential items was stressed in the meeting. Smooth functioning of communication facilities and other utilities also came up in the meeting, an official statement said.

Fearing that there could be a surge effect post-cyclone, Goyal asked the industry to support health care personnels.

''He also stressed that all the people who are involved in the production of liquid medical oxygen, pharma industry, and all those who make cylinders or products in the supply chain of the pharma industry will be given priority to come back into operation,' the statement added.

Goyal said that relief material should be properly channelised so that the common man gets the relief and the unscrupulous elements are not able to take advantage.

He urged all the big industries to look after their local area to support small industries, suppliers and neighbourhood industry associations.

Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya also attended the meeting and said that coastal areas in the western India are having a lot of industries.

''The state governments are equipped for undertaking the relief and rescue operations, and have the experience in doing so,'' he added.

The minister, however, emphasized on pre-planning and pre-positioning so as to minimise the damage to essential equipment, cargo or people.