Water crisis forces closure of jeans-washing units in Karnataka's Ballari

BALLARI: Ballari, a major jeans manufacturing centre, is facing a crisis as numerous washing units have shut down due to poor infrastructure support. The current summer season worsened the water availability problems, severely affecting operations. Rising electricity costs, operational expenses, and raw material prices have forced many units to cease operations.
The district, known as India's jeans manufacturing hub, houses 732 units in the city and outskirts. Despite persistent summer water shortage for the past ten years, no concrete solutions emerged, with officials and political representatives failing to respond to industry concerns.
The washing units, which consume significant water resources, raised their processing fees by 30-40%, leading to closures. A unit proprietor indicated that the onset of early summer this year worsened their situation. "Instead of waiting and paying more money to wash jeans products, some owners shut their units for four to five months."
Venugopal, who represents the jeans washing units, reports that over 30 facilities closed during the pandemic period. The situation has not improved even after 4 to five years since. The district's jeans sector continues to struggle financially due to yearly summer water shortages.
"The jeans sector was profitable until 2006, but faced increasing competition since then. From 2006 to 2010, the cost of washing a pair of jeans was Rs 18, but competition drove this price down to Rs 14 after 2010. During this period, the monthly electricity bill was around Rs 25,000, and the costs for water and washing chemicals were lower. Workers received a monthly salary of Rs 10,000, resulting in a total monthly expenditure of Rs 2 lakh per washing unit," he states.
Currently, costs have risen across all aspects. Workers now receive Rs 30,000, while electricity charges increased to Rs 1.2 lakh per month. Water expenses stand at Rs 40,000, with washing chemical costs reaching Rs 2 lakh. Consequently, monthly operational costs for a washing unit have risen to Rs 6-7 lakh. Financial difficulties and summer water scarcity are forcing these units to close progressively.
During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi discussed a jeans park proposal with industry members. Chief minister Siddaramaiah included this in the 2024 budget. However, the project remains in limbo two years into the Congress govt's term, causing frustration among locals.
Industry spokespersons said: "No need of a jeans park. Just decrease electricity rates, provide enough water. Basic facilities are enough for us."
Each unit requires a minimum of 1 lakh litres of water monthly. Present water shortages forced some facilities to depend on water tankers for basic operations. These issues have led to significant job losses. A closed unit owner states: "We requested the administration a number of times, but did not receive a positive response. We request the govt that the industry should be provided with water from a dedicated pipeline from Tungabhadra dam."
Attempts by TOI to reach industries and commerce department officials proved unsuccessful, as they declined to comment, stating that the govt should lead the decision-making. Meanwhile, govt's inaction resulted in the closure of half of the estimated 80 washing units. Continuing water shortage threatens additional closures.