The Bengal government has written a letter to the Centre, requesting it to allocate 10 per cent of 50,000 tonnes of oxygen that the latter has decided to import, as some 50 per cent of the oxygen produced here is being sent to Uttar Pradesh as a part of Delhi’s rationing system.

“Right now, we are getting 223 tonnes of oxygen out of 497 tonnes produced in 10 plants of the state....With the allotted quantum of oxygen, the state’s needs are now being fulfilled. But in the next two weeks, we will need more oxygen as Covid-19 cases could increase. This is why the state has requested for allotment of a part of the oxygen to be imported,” said a senior official.

Bengal on Saturday reported the 44th consecutive day of rise in the total of active Covid-19 cases, by 6,638, to 81,375. On Saturday, the state logged 7,584 recoveries, but the number of new infections was 14,281, the highest yet.

Officials explained there are concerns that with the allotted 223 tonnes of oxygen, the state might not be able to manage the situation in the next two-three days as infections have risen alarmingly.

“In response, Bengal was allotted another 85 tonnes of oxygen, but to be supplied from Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). We have requested if we could be allowed to use oxygen produced in our state and the oxygen from Jamshedpur be sent to Uttar Pradesh. But we fear we would require more than 450 tonnes in the next two weeks,” said a source.

The officials said arranging oxygen was crucial to treat serious Covid patients during the second wave of pandemic.

“This time more cases are being reported and a big percentage of those infected need oxygen support,” said a health department official.

The state government has also taken some other steps to increase supply of oxygen.

“All the plants that produce medical oxygen have been requested to enhance production. One such plant has accepted the state's request and decided to enhance its production by 20 per cent within the next couple of days,” said a source.

The state government also decided to streamline the sale of small oxygen cylinders from the local chemist shops.

“Shops will give priority to Covid patients. Shops can sell cylinders if one produces a prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner. But priority must be for Covid patients,” said a source.

The state government has taken initiatives to ensure bodies of Covid patients are cremated in a dignified way.

In case of any death in a state-run or state-acquired Covid-19 hospital, Calcutta Municipal Corporation will cremate the body following Covid-19 protocols free of cost in Calcutta. In districts, urban development and panchayat departments have been asked to develop a similar facility.

In case of deaths at home, if the CMC helpline number 2286-1212/1313 is called up, the civic body will take immediate action, said a source.