Lockdown will disrupt the economy, traders, real estate developer community express dismay

Aurangabad, March 27: The local administration imposed strict restrictions on various sectors including hotels, construction and trade while announcing the ten-day lockdown today. Members from these sectors have strongly opposed the lockdown stating that the government and local administration should create maximum health facilities instead of disrupting the economy by imposing lockdown. Excerpts from their reactions.

Important to raise awareness

The administration should more effectively use its power and resources rather than announcing lockdowns and making the situation difficult for the trading community. Traders have already suffered huge losses. We comply with all regulations. Nearly 80 per cent of traders have got themselves tested. They must be allowed to open their shops and resume business. Instead of closing down shops, the administration must now implement both treatment measures and vaccination drive effectively, said Zilla Vyapari Mahasangh president Jagannath Kale.

Disruption of construction activity

The construction industry, which mirrors the economy, is expected to take a huge blow from another lockdown. Lockdown causes labour issues and supply chain disruptions. Already the sector is impacted by rising prices of steel, cement, labour and raw material. There are only a few builders who can afford on-site construction workers. The rest have to rely on contractors who bring labourers to the site. There is a time schedule fixed for completion of every site and properties have to be delivered with the time frame. But keeping the construction completely closed for 9-10 days is not feasible. Builders are taking every precaution to avoid the spread. The administration must permit all construction activity, said a CREDAI member on the condition of anonymity.

Workers fear they will get stuck

There is a fear among the workers, particularly those from outside state, that state or nation-wide lockdown will be enforced once again like March 2020. Apprehension that they would get stuck in the lockdown again is leading to exodus of contract labourers or those working on construction sites, from Aurangabad.

We request for a clarification from the state and central authorities in this regard which can allay the fears of workers.

Biplab Pathak, Deputy General Manager, Balkrishna Industries, Aurangabad

Biplab Pathak, Deputy General Manager, BKT, Aurangabad