Maharashtra preparing for Covid-19 third wave since last month: Uddhav Thackeray

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, in an address on Wednesday, talked about Centre's warning on Covid-19 third wave and said that the state government has been preparing for it since last month.

"Several districts are seeing a decline in Covid-19 cases while some districts are seeing an increase in cases. We are keeping a close tab on it," he said.

He also stressed on need to increase the oxygen generation capacity to 3000 metric tonnes per day.

"We have demand of 1700 MT oxygen and 1200 MT is being produced by us, rest 500 MT is provided to us by other states and sources with the help of Centre. We have to increase our oxygen generation capacity up to 3000 MT every day. We are doing preparations for this under 'Mission Oxygen' Programme," he added.

Terming the Supreme Court's decision to strike down reservation for the Marathas as unfortunate, Thackeray said he will write to the Centre, requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind to step in and provide relief to the community.

Thackeray also appealed people of the state not to be misled by those wanting to create unrest over the Maratha quota issue.

(with inputs from agency)