"Extend lockdown period, but limit it to identifed red zones"
I support your stand that we must take firm and boldsteps to contain COVID-19.
But at the same time we have to ensure that the wheel ofthe economy keeps moving, if not at full speed, at least tothe sustenance of the people, the Chief Minister told PrimeMinister Narendra Modi during a videoconference the latterconducted with all Chief Ministers.
Of the total 676 mandals in the state, 37 have beenidentified as red zones and another 44 as orange zones.
The balance 595 were in the green zone which werepractically not affected (by the pandemic), Jagan said,referring to a data analysis by the state government.
"In my opinion, lockdown should be limited to these redzones.
While restrictions can be continued in places of publicgathering like malls, cinema halls, places of worship, masstransport and schoolswhile continuing with physicaldistancing measures in all other places," Jagan added.
"Thus far, we have been able to contain the diseasethanks to God.
I hope, wish and pray this pandemic will soon bevanquished and the human race will triumph over this unseenenemy and unprecedented virulence.
While I have given my opinion and a brief report onthe happenings in our state, I do understand this war could bewon only if we function as one unit, with one singlestrategy," the Chief Minister said.
Jagan told Modi I trust your leadership in totality andpromised to go with whatever strategy you suggest and makeit a success.
The Chief Minister explained that the ongoing lockdownhad a severe impact on the state, particularly on the commonman.
The agriculture sector contributed 35 per cent of GrossState Domestic Product with a 62 per cent workforce.
Inter-state movement of agricultural commodities has cometo an abysmal low, with less than 25 per cent of trucks on theroad, he said.
"There is very little storage space available in godownswithin the state. We are required to buy paddy, chilli, maizeand, going forward, tobacco, banana, papaya and vegetables asthere are no other marketing avenues,the Chief Minister said.
Wondering how much can we absorb locally,he apprehendedthat lakhs of farm families would be pushed into seriousdestitution if the present situation continued.
With lack of storage space and exports curtailed, theaqua sector was also bleeding, he said.
In the industrial sector, only 7,250 of the total of1,03,986 units were running.
"Supply chain disruption, road and rail networkdisruption has added to the crisis.
While industries are burdened with the weight offixed costs, not coming down, how do we expect them pay wagesand salaries while not functioning?," Jagan asked.
"Other than all these mentioned, the states revenuesources have totally dried up while expenditure on relief andwelfare has drastically shot up.
My principle concern has been, and continues to be, theimpact of the lockdown on the livelihoods of migrant anddaily-wage workers, agriculture, horticulture and aquaculturefarmers and the welfare and wellbeing of every resident ofAP, the Chief Minister said.
Jagan referred to the influenza virus that affected theIndians and lasted for more than two years.
"We have to take this into perspective and this is along-drawn battle that we have to fight.
That perspective should always be remembered," heobserved. DBV APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH