PIMPRI: Amid coronavirus outbreak across the country, a large number of industrial workers from Maharashtra and other states have started returning to their native places.

This is affecting the industrial sector in Pimpri Chinchwad and nearby areas adversely. 

Sources said that nearly 20 per cent of workers have left the industrial town in the last three days.

People who have lost temporary jobs following the closure of various commercial establishments, including malls and theatres, have also started returning to their native places.

The exodus of the workers is expected to continue for the next few days. This is likely to hit the industrial sector which is already facing a slowdown.

Sandeep Belsare, President of Pimpri Chinchwad Entrepreneurs Association, has said that exodus of industrial workers will affect the industrial production. 

Efforts are being made to persuade workers not to leave the city.

Meanwhile, the Pimpri Chinchwad Deputy Regional Transport Office has said that most of its departments will remain closed till March 31 to prevent assembly of people and hence, prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

Only departments related to registration of new vehicles and inspection of vehicles will remain open.

The exodus of the workers is expected to continue for the next few days. This is likely to hit the industrial sector which is already facing a slowdown.