Confusion reigns over industry operations as curfew begins in AP
Absence of public transport, fear of spread of virus and limited time allowed for movement of public has led to a lot of ambiguity
Visakhapatnam The first day of curfew began on Wednesday across Andhra Pradesh with a lot of ambiguity over guidelines to be followed by the industries across the State.
Though manufacturing, process, pharma and core sector units have been exempted from the purview of curfew enforcement from noon till 6 am, many managements were yet to get detailed guidelines.
Absence of public transport, fear of spread of virus and limited time allowed for movement of public has led to a lot of confusion. There is also rampant migration of labour to neighbouring States.
"There's lot of ambiguity in the order. Last year units operational in Special Economic Zones at Duvvada, Atchyutapuram and other places in AP were totally exempted. We are eagerly waiting for details on how to implement Covid Appropriate Protocols," a senior official pointed out.
Essential pharma exports have remained unaffected due to sparing use of manpower manning processes judiciously well in advance. "Only problem we are facing is with regard to availability of contract workers," Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City (JNPC) CEO P.P. Lal Krishna said.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, AP's largest industry has allotted different work schedules to workers so as to not curtail its vital operations. "We are able to ensure normal operations and also in production of medical oxygen under trying circumstances," a RINL official stated. The operations at Visakhapatnam Port were partially hit due to confusion over issuance of passes and restrictions on movement of heavy vehicles.
"We are in touch with the authorities to sort out the problem and ensure cargo handling as usual as it's (evacuation of cargo) is of national importance," National Association of Container Freight Stations (NACFS) vice-president G. Sambasiva Rao, said.
The IT and ITES units have not been hit hard due to their decision to offer work from home to many employees after the first wave of pandemic. "Regarding passes for vehicles we are still awaiting details," Maple Software Pvt Ltd CEO Gunturu Shiv Kumar, said.
