New Delhi. 17 May 2021. In a high-level meeting convened by Commerce, Industry and Railways Minister, Mr Piyush Goyal to review the preparedness for the impending Tauktae cyclone on the west coast, ASSOCHAM has assured the government of working together with all the concerned agencies to ensure that the industries critical to prevention and treatment of Covid-19 pandemic are caused the least disruption due to “very severe” storm building in the Arabian sea. 

Participating in the meeting also attended by Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mansukh Mandaviya, ASSOCHAM team led by President, Vineet Agarwal and Secretary General, Mr Deepak Sood shared with the top relief and operational agencies like NDMA, the level of preparedness by the industries located in the coastal areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The ASSOCHAM President assured the Commerce and Industry Minister of complete coordination with the concerned agencies of the Centre and the states so that the industries particularly engaged in pharmaceuticals, liquid medical oxygen and other critical medical devices are insulated to the maximum extent, from the impact of the cyclone.

The ASSOCHAM team also assured the senior ministers that whatever information about cyclone is shared by the government, the same is being timely disseminated through a proper channel amongst the industry and trade.

Goyal said that power supply would be the major focus area, as the same has to be switched off due to safety reasons for some time but should be restored quickly once the storm abates. All the manpower in the production of liquid medical Oxygen, pharma industry, and all those who make cylinders or products in the supply chain should be helped to return to work on priority basis. He also advised Railways to be ready to rush the essential items to the affected areas in the shortest possible time.