Aujla suggests setting up oxygen corridor with Pakistan
Amritsar: Lok Sabha member from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding to set up an oxygen corridor with Pakistan in view of the offer from neighboring country to provide relief to help the fight against the deadly second wave of Covid-19. Aujla reasoned that the nearest oxygen plant of Panipat was 350 km away from the holy city, which was reeling under shortage of oxygen supply. He wrote that the distance from Lahore was just 50 km and oxygen from Pakistan could easily reach Amritsar and nearby districts. Aujla said the daily requirement of oxygen for Amritsar district was around 30 tonnes, whereas the total quota allocated for Punjab was far less and the supply erratic. Aujla said the offer for help from Pakistan and Edhi Foundation should be welcomed with open arms. In the letter, Aujla writes: “Sir, I am aware of the political and diplomatic state of affairs, but during such pandemics and calamities, all nations must join hands and share resources to defeat this common enemy.” He said transport of oxygen from Pakistan by rail road will ease the pressure on the existing stock of oxygen in the country. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira conducted a surprise check of oxygen storage and distribution system and Covid control room. The DC also visited the premises of oxygen supply firm at New Amritsar to take stock of the situation. Khaira said the availability of oxygen at present was barely enough for the present needs at the hospitals. He said the non-availability of liquid oxygen from outside the state has caused the shortage. “We are also taking stock of the preparations, which are being made for the treatment of patients in case the caseload increases at GMC,” he said. TNS
