O2 demand jumps fourfold in Barnala

Barnala, May 13

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Authorities in Barnala have been struggling hard to ensure the supply of medical oxygen cylinders as its consumption has increased from 50 to 200 cylinders per day in the past 14 days.

Deputy Commissioner TPS Phoolka has banned oxygen cylinders’ use for non-medical purposes to meet the rising demand. Since Barnala does not have its own oxygen plant, the administration has to send their trucks with empty oxygen cylinders to Mandi Gobindgarh for refilling. The entire process of refilling takes around 20 hours before officers receive filled cylinders back.

SDM Varjeet Walia and DSP Lakhvir Tiwana have formed teams of Tehsildar and SHOs each to confiscate all oxygen cylinders, which were put to non-medical use in the market in violation of the orders.

DSP Lakhvir Tiwana said the Barnala police were working round the clock with the administration to serve the public during this pandemic. “Our teams have confiscated 125 such cylinders,” he said.

DC Phoolka has also started a 24-hour Covid helpline to extend all help to district residents. “Government employees will be working in three shifts each to answer the Covid queries and provide all necessary help. People can call at the numbers 01679-230032 and 75280-34032 and get the help anytime they want to,” said Phoolka. — TNS