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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Surveillance intensified in Bengal border districts as killers of Suvendu's PA may flee out of state
Kolkata (PTI): Police stations in border districts of West Bengal intensified surveillance and searches as investigators suspect the involvement of professional shooters from neighbouring states in the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's close aide, a senior officer said on Friday.
The police are also investigating the role of local criminals who might have provided logistical support to the assailants, he said.
More than 36 hours after Adhikari's personal assistant Chandranath Rath was assassinated by motorcycle-borne gunmen at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district, the police are yet to make any arrest.
“A detailed investigation is underway. The manner in which the attack was carried out suggests extensive reconnaissance and the possible involvement of hired sharpshooters from outside the state,” a senior police officer told PTI.
He also said all police stations in border districts have been alerted.
"Checks are being carried out at multiple points, and CCTV footage from areas along Jessore Road is being thoroughly scanned,” another senior officer said.
According to probe findings, the gunmen allegedly followed Rath’s vehicle before launching the attack.
“The escape route of the gunmen indicates that they were familiar with the locality, or local criminals might have assisted them. Without local support, fleeing through the lanes so quickly would have been difficult,” the officer added.
The police, however, are yet to ascertain the motive behind the murder.
The police and detective department officers have launched extensive searches in and around Madhyamgram near Kolkata.
Heavy deployment of police and central forces has also been made in the area since the murder occurred on Wednesday night.
"A motorcycle used in the crime was registered in 2012 in the name of a resident of Burnpur in Asansol. However, the police found that no person by that name currently resides at the address given during the vehicle registration process," another officer said.
