This means more activities may be allowed to resume in green zones of the country.
Delhi will take a call by April 30.
Maharashtra will also decide by the end of the month, but will not lift the lockdown in urban centres like Mumbai and Pune, which are in red zones, while allowing economic activity in green zones. Mindful of the economic challenges, the government is preparing a detailed exit strategy that would give states more space in deciding their respective plans, sources said after the three-hour meeting.
The CMs spoke of the need to address economic challenges, while demanding a stimulus package and resolution of the stranded migrant issue. The PM said, “we have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against Covid.”
Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik suggested extending the lockdown by another month, a proposal which got support from Goa and Meghalaya. In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh asked for permission to open small businesses in areas except red zones.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the central guidelines were at times contradictory and confusing.
Puducherry’s V Narayansamy said the PM did not respond to the demand for an economic package or on the issue of migrants. He, however, supported the view that lockdown should be extended.
Gujarat’s Vijay Rupani apprised the PM of the steps taken in the state, including easing lockdown in a staggered manner, keeping small and medium vendors as well as labourers' well-being in mind.
Haryana-Delhi border tightened
Haryana will also further tighten the borders of its satellite cities of Gurugram and Faridabad with Delhi. Just as Uttar Pradesh complained that coronavirus cases had come from Delhi, Haryana has said a number of recent cases were traced to the same city. Haryana had earlier sealed its Sonipat district border with Delhi. BS Reporter
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