Nod for industrial activities from May 4 across Karnataka barring containment zone
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to allow industrial activities across the state barring coronavirus containment zones from May 4, when the second phase of national lockdown is expected to end, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Thursday.
As COVID-19 cases may continue for another 2-3 months, both economic activities and efforts to control the pandemic have to go hand-in-hand, he said.
"So, we have decided to give permission to start industrial activities in all places, except containment zones from May 4," Yediyurappa told reporters here after a cabinet meeting.
He will hold discussion with some industrialists along with Industries Minister Jagdish Shettar soon, he said adding the government would ask them to make preparations for restarting industrial activities.
On easing curbs in the state capital, he said: "There is a feeling that COVID-19 is in a way coming to control... there has been not much cases in Bengaluru area in the last three- four days, we are seeing, if things continue it will help us start some activities here too. We will wait and see for couple of days.
Earlier, the state government had on April 8 decided to conditionally allow economic activities to restart in green zones by opening of shops and industries.
Noting that it will not be a surprising if the coronavirus cases continue for another 2-3 months, Yediyurappa said on one side economic activities will have to start and on the other side measures to contain its spread.
By May 4, more directives were likely to come from the Centre and the state would then decide on more economic activities that can be allowed, he added.
Responding to a question about allowing malls and cinema halls and others to function, the Chief Minister said all these will be discussed after May 4.
"As of now we don't have any plans to open malls, hotels, but parcels as take-away are allowed at hotel...other things will depend on the Centre's directives. I'm confident that PM may permit all activities, it is the expectation of all states," he said.
Appreciating media for its role in educating people about COVID-19 and measures that need to be taken to control it, Yediyurappa appealed for restraint while publishing news that may push people into depression and fear at this time of crisis.
He asked the media to build confidence among people by publishing positive news about recoveries, efforts of COVID worriers and said, government was always ready to take suggestion from it.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
