The Ministry of Home Affairs through Order No. 40-6/2020-DM-I(A), exercised under Section 10(2)(l) and Section 65 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 has directed governments and authorities of states and union territories to ensure the following:
- Use of liquid oxygen is not allowed for any non medical purpose.
- All manufacturing units may maximise the production of liquid oxygen and provide it to the government with immediate effect and till further orders.
- All stocks of oxygen should be made available to the government for medical purposes only.
- No exception is allowed to any industry with regard to use of liquid oxygen.
Earlier, National Executive Committee under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 by Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I-(A) dated 22nd April, 2021 had taken various measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of oxygen throughout the country. These measures included restricting industrial usage of oxygen to ensure availability of oxygen to covid patients.
A copy of the order is given below:
