Jeans manufacturers struggle amid factory closures in Karnataka

Karnataka is currently facing a severe power crisis due to depleting water levels in hydel units.

Industrial production has suffered due to frequent power failures, causing a shortage of jeans pants in showrooms. The production of jeans pants in the state has been adversely affected by these outages. Karnataka is grappling with a power crisis, leading to unscheduled cuts, and industries, especially those involved in stitching jeans pants, are struggling. In the Ballari district alone, there are numerous factories dedicated to stitching jeans pants, totalling at least 500 units. These units supply jeans pants to neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other countries.

More than 10,000 employees work in these factories, producing jeans pants. Uninterrupted power supply is crucial for these factories, but Karnataka is currently facing a severe power crisis due to depleting water levels in hydel units, resulting in interrupted power supply. This situation has negatively impacted the jeans factories. Despite the challenges faced during COVID-19, where many months went without work, this year showed promise with a surge in orders.

Many factories have had to resort to generators, despite the high operational costs. If input costs increase, manufacturers cannot raise product prices, leading to significant losses. Factory owners emphasise that unscheduled power cuts, sometimes lasting 10 to 20 minutes every hour, disrupt production.

Amidst the ongoing power crisis, there is a glimmer of positive news on the production front. The Shimshapura hydroelectric station has resumed power production after a hiatus.

The unit had to shut down due to floods in 2022, causing damage to the equipment. Extensive repairs have been undertaken since then. This hydroelectric station holds historical significance as it was a dream project of the erstwhile Mysore Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Construction began in 1937, with power production starting in 1940. However, heavy rainfall in the catchment areas led to floods in the Shimsha River, submerging and damaging the equipment. A specialised team from Uttar Pradesh and Telangana was summoned to perform the necessary repairs.