Mumbai getting only one oxygen refilling plant

Civic officials say the second one can be built only when need arises; the upcoming Mahalaxmi facility will be primarily used to refill dura cylinders

The civic body has scaled down the plan to set up oxygen refilling plants in the city. When Mumbai was battling a constant surge in Covid-19 cases, the BMC had planned to erect two of these facilities for uninterrupted supply to hospitals. But with numbers dropping, it has decided to build just one, at Mahalaxmi.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said the work has begun, but it is waiting for approvals from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which is expected by next week. It is hopeful of starting the plant soon after. Officials said the BMC observed that dura cylinders lasted longer than jumbo cylinders, hence, the plan is to refill the former at the upcoming plant.

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Officials said the BMC was unable to start work on both the plants together, and with the Covid-19 cases going down, it decided to build just one for now. A civic official not willing to be named said, “Once this plant is ready, we believe we can easily set up the second one. It makes sense to build the second plant only if there is a need, so it has been put on hold.”

The official added, “PESO officials are likely to check our trials—transferring of gas into the refilling plant—for safety and give us a go ahead.” The plant will focus on dura cylinders that are mainly used for oxygenated beds in various hospitals. Use of vertical oxygen storage tanks and jumbo cylinders will continue as it is because those are generally used in ICUs, officials said.

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