September 3: The government has given high priority to essential goods and services during the prohibitory period as well as lockdown period. Soon after imposing lockdown on March 24, the government had pledged to facilitate in reopening factories that produce essential goods. However, the production and supply of such essential goods have become problematic after the district administration offices in various districts issued prohibitory orders to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Industrialists complain that operating their factories has become uncertain because of the strict measures adopted by government authorities. Even the production of food and medicines has been badly affected by the prohibitory orders issued by more than 50 districts.

Pharmaceutical companies in the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor have been closed since one week after the local administration ordered quarantine facility for workers within the industry. Factories producing food are also operating with minimum work force.

Low production is likely to disrupt the supply chain, warns Subodh Gupta, senior vice president of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer of Parsa Asman Tamang says that they believe the industrial sector as the source of community transmission of coronavirus in the region.

Soon after the lockdown was lifted about a month ago, Indian workers employed in the industries tested positive for coronavirus, says Tamang. Therefore, they took precautionary measures to stop the disease from spreading.