Shimla, May 12 (IANS): Favoring the extension of lockdown, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Monday that 55,000 people belonging to the state have been stranded and they want to return to the state.

Also, 68,000 people of other states have been stranded in Himachal Pradesh, the CM said.

In a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thakur said that one lakh people have arrived in the state so far, which has resulted in the increase of Covid-19 cases. The total number of Covid-19 patients in the state was 40 a week ago, which has gone up to 59, which is a matter of concern, he said.

At the same time, it is the responsibility of the state to provide all possible help to the people stranded in various parts of the country, the CM said.

Thakur said the state has developed a geo fencing app to ensure that people coming from other states do not jump the quarantine period.

On the economy of the state, he said that Himachal Pradesh has been badly affected due to the lockdown. The state has taken various steps to gradually start economic activities.

He said the apple season is nearing and since the Azadpur Mandi in Delhi has been badly affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic, alternate arrangements should be made to facilitate the horticulturists to market their produce.

The Chief Minister said the state would ensure that it does not cut down capital expenditure, but at the same time the government would adopt austerity measures by curbing unproductive and wasteful expenditure.