Amid rising Covid-19 cases, fate of diamond and textile industries will be decided on Monday: Gujarat CM

SURAT: When the Covid-19 cases are on the rise from the diamond and textile sectors, CM Vijay Rupani has stated the decision on whether to allow the operation of both the industries will be taken after a detailed discussion with the senior officials on Monday.
Rupani, who visited the city along with Deputy CM, Nitin Patel and other senior government officials including Chief Princiipal Secretary, K Kailashnathan on Saturday, told media persons "Government's entire focus is on Surat. Covid-19 cases are on the rise from diamond and textile sectors. Decision on whether to allow the industries to operate will be taken after detailed meeting with officials and elected representatives on Monday”
In the last one month, the Covid-19 cases in diamond industry among the diamond workers have crossed 750, while over 400 textile traders and workers have been tested Covid-19 positive. According to SMC officials, about 40% of the cases reported from diamond hub of Varachha and Katargam are related to those employed in diamond industry.
On June 30, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) had issued the notification for the closure of the diamond units and Mahidhapura diamond market for a week due to the increase in the Covid-19 cases among diamond workers.
According to Rupani, diamond and textile industries will be closed if the social distancing and other norms are flouted. Government can’t allow industries to operate threatening the lives of the citizens.
“We will have to take a decision on how to operate. If they (diamond and textile) are ready to operate their units and shops following stricter norms, we are ready. Otherwise, we will have to shut the industries. We can’t risk the lives of people in the city” said Rupani.
Asked about the mismatch in the Covid-19 death figures, Rupani said, “In cases, where the reports are still awaited and patients succumb, their last rites are performed as per the Covid protocol”
Rupani stated that the State Government has made immediate allocation Rs 100 crore for the stem cell and kidney hospitals in the New Civil Hospital (NCH) campus for using them as dedicated Covid-19 hospitals.
“In the coming eight days, we will commission stem cell hospital for Covid-19 patients and within a month’s time we will develop kidney hospital as well. In case, the Covid-19 cases rises in Surat, there will be extra facility at the stem cell and kidney hospital for the Covid-19 patients” said Rupani.
Rupani announced that about 200 ventilators have been allotted for Surat and they will commissioned by Monday in various hospitals. About 42 hospitals have been designated for Covid-19 and 50% beds have been reserved for the patients. Government will bear the expense of the Covvid-19 patients referred to private hospitals.