Several factories in Dhanbad are yet to resume operations owing to lack of clarity on the relaxations allowed by the Centre and in the absence of a standard operating procedure from the state government.

Over 100 hard coke factories, the second biggest industrial employer in Dhanbad with an employee strength of around 20,000, are yet to restart production.

More than 100 brick manufacturing units are also waiting for clear-cut directives from the local administration.

Some factory owners termed the guideline by the central government to make arrangements for the stay of workers within the factory premises unrealistic.

President of Industries and Commerce Association B.N. Singh said: “Though we have not yet received any letter from the district administration for the reopening of factories, but the conditions for operating industrial units — such as making arrangements for the stay of labourers inside the factory — are too impractical. None of the hard coke factories has residential quarters for workers.”

He said all workers of hard coke factories lived in nearby villages.

“We can resume operations only if the workers are allowed to come from their homes and go back after work,” Singh said.

Another hard coke factory owner, who did not wish to be identified, said it would be very difficult to follow social-distancing norms at the factories.

“Making arrangements like installation of sanitisation chambers will also be very difficult for us. Moreover, procuring coal for beginning operations can’t be done during the lockdown,” he added.

Another hard coke factory owner said they might have to wait for further relaxation of norms to restart operations.

“Opening the factories now won’t make much sense because the industrial units that use hard coke as raw material are also lying closed. Whom will we sell the hard coke to?” he added.

Rajiv Sharma , President of Jharkhand Industries and Trade Association said: “None of the around 100 hard coke factories or the fly ash or red-brick manufacturing units have restarted operations in the absence of a clear directive from the local administration.

“We are waiting for the arrival of standard operating procedure. After that, we will meet Dhanbad deputy commissioner and decide on reopening the industrial units,” he said.