Bengaluru: Following reduced demand for oxygen, the Karnataka Government has decided to divert it back to Industries and appoint Nodal Officers for the purpose.

Speaking at a meeting at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, Minister for Industries and In-Charge of Oxygen Supply Jagadish Shettar said even as the Covid-19 second wave has been dropping and the demand for oxygen reduced, it was only 580 MT oxygen required during the last two days data. However, the officials should not be negligent on this issue and must prepare for the expected third wave of Covid. Hence, the District Hospitals should make efforts to be self-sufficient in producing oxygen and instructed the officials to give more priority on this issue.

He said on a priority basis the oxygen supply should be given to industries and the Nodal Officers should handle the situation without affecting the supply to hospitals needed. Officials should be ready to meet any emergency requirements at any time, the Minister added.