Bhubaneswar: As the first phase of nationwide lockdown will end Tuesday, the state government Monday relaxed norms for certain sectors including agriculture, fisheries, forest, e-commerce and industries, among others during the second phase from April 15 to April 30.
Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy issued the order which will be in force across the state till April end.
Addressing a presser here, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said agricultural activities including paddy procurement, kharif crop operation, distribution of crop loans, fertilizers, supply of seeds have been allowed during the period. All vehicles carrying agriculture, horticulture produces will be allowed to operate, he said.
All horticulture and floriculture operations like sowing, nursery preparation, land preparation, irrigation, planting, harvesting, threshing, processing and packing will be allowed. Workshops and shops for repairing spare parts related to farm machinery, manufacturing units, storage houses were also asked to operate, Jena said. The SRC said fisheries and all animal husbandry activities including fishing, harvesting, procurement, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and retailing of eggs, meat, fish/ shrimp, milk and milk products have been relaxed.
Commercial and private establishments such as ration shops dealing in food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, meat and fish, animal feed & fodder, seeds, fertilizers and pesticides including their transportation, warehousing and related activities have been allowed to function.
However, district authorities have been asked to encourage and facilitate home delivery of goods to minimize movement of individuals outside their homes, he pointed out.
The government has also relaxed norms for home delivery by operators and online delivery services such as Amazon, Flipkart, Blue Dart, DTDC, Big Basket, Grofers, Urban Clap, Zomato, Myntra, Swiggy, KFC, Pizza Hut and Dominos.
The government has asked manufacturing units of packaging material and industries/MSME units to ensure workers stay within the industrial premises and adhere to social distancing norms.
Similarly, lockdown norms for hotels and homestays and lodges, which are accommodating tourists and persons stranded due to lockdown, medical and emergency staff, air and sea crew have been relaxed.
The government has activated MGNREGS work and individual assets creation under various schemes including PMAY, BPGY and Swachh Bharat to ensure livelihood for the rural poor.
As per the order, pre-plantation and nursery activities, silvicultural operations, creation & maintenance of water bodies, kendu leaf operation, procurement & marketing of minor forest products have also been allowed during the second phase. Production and marketing by self help groups and activities of Mission Shakti will be free from the restrictions.
“All congregations of more than 5 persons are prohibited. In case of funerals, not more than 20 people will be permitted. In case of death of a COVID-19 person, appropriate protocol will be followed,” read the order. Landlords, house-owners and societies have been instructed not to harass or force any doctors or paramedical staff or healthcare personnel or police personnel to vacate their residences.