Economy Can Take Up to 8 Months to Get Back on Track: Jayant Patil

Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil talks about possibly extending the coronavirus lockdown in Maharashtra, and more.

Maharashtra Minister Jayant Patil talks about the coronavirus lockdown, state of the economy with The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

In light of the COVID-19 infection curve being the steepest in Maharashtra with the total number of positive cases in the state crossing 1,300, The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia caught up with Maharashtra’s Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil to understand more about how the state plans to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

Talking about the high number of cases in Mumbai and Pune, the minister said that there was a possibility that the lockdown might be extended in the state.

“There were issues with the supply chain in the beginning. If we had a few days more notice, then people could have been better prepared. There are still some issues when it comes to groceries and vegetables reaching the common man, especially in the villages and rural areas. This is why we are planning for transport facilities to stock the kirana stores in these areas, in the districts,” he said.

“The virus has breached Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum. We have set up containment zones but there are five to eight people sleeping in one room, with people using common toilet facilities. The density is such that the virus can spread easily. We are taking special care in Mumbai about the densely populated slums and other areas,” Patil added.

In the coming months, a huge amount of funds will be required by the state governments to tackle the fallout of COVID-19, Jayant Patil told The Quint.

“When the lockdown ends, it will be a task to bring the economy back on track, a process that could take up to six to eight months,” he said.