Lockdown will disrupt the economy

Aurangabad, March 27:

The local administration on Saturday announced another lockdown from March 30 to April 8. Strict restrictions were imposed on various sectors including hotels, construction and trade. However, 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.

Deathblow to hotel industry

Hotels and restaurants had started after eight months of complete lockdown. Now a repeat would mean a death blow to business. Since the lockdown was lifted, 30 per cent hotels and restaurants haven't yet reopened, another 20 per cent have permanently shut due to financial losses and the remaining 50 per cent of restaurants that did reopen are forced to shut again. There is no denying that positive cases are on the rise but holding just the hospitality industry responsible for it, is outright unfair, said Harpreet Singh of Aurangabad Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Important to raise awareness

The administration should be used more effectively used rather than announcing lockdowns and making the situation difficult for the trading community. Traders have already suffered huge losses. Traders are now complying with all regulation and tests. Nearly 80 per cent of traders have got themselves tested. They must be allowed to open their shops and resume business instead of lockdown. Instead of closing down shops, the administration must now implement both treatment and vaccination effectively, said Jilha 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 labours to the site. There is a time schedule fixed for completion of every site and 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.