Surat-based Odia industrialist urges Ganjam migrants not to return to Gujarat

Bhubaneswar: An Odisha-born industrialist has appealed to people from Ganjam to defer their return journey in view of increasing cases of COVID-19 to Gujarat.

Hrusikesh Swain, a Surat-based industrialist and social worker, expressed concern over the grim situation in the industrial town.

“There are around 12,000 to 15000 COVID-19 cases in the city, of which many Odias are also undergoing treatment. Every day around 250 people are being tested positive. The textile sector is in a bad shape. Only 15-20 per cent companies are functional. The industry owners are reluctant to resume production due to economic slowdown and sluggish demand,” Swain said.

A large number of Odias contribute to the workforce in the commercial centre famous for textile.

“The Corona situation is grim in the city. There aren’t enough ambulance or hospital beds to deal with growing number of patients. When around 30-40 cases were reported in a day, Odias left for their hometowns. It’s not the right time to return to Surat. Before embarking on their return journey, they should speak to their employer first,” he added.

Worth mentioning, Ganjam is the worst-affected district in the state with 3076 active cases and 70 deaths. The southern district today reported 732 cases and its increasing with every passing day by leaps and bounds. The state today reported 1594 positive cases with five COVID deaths.

The spike in positive cases and deaths has become a major concern for the people.

However, the district administration has sought to downplay the situation.

“Intensive door-to-door screening has resulted in increase of cases. There is no reason to panic. We hope the numbers will come down in a week or so. In last one week, 30 red zone areas have been converted to green,” District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said at a press briefing in Berhampur today.