Jeans washing units struggle as water shortage and costs rise

Ballari
The city, known as a major hub for jeans manufacturing in India, is facing a serious crisis. Many jeans washing units have shut down operations due to a lack of infrastructure support. The current summer has made the already existing water shortage worse, severely affecting the functioning of these units. Along with this, rising electricity bills, operating costs, and raw material prices have added more pressure on the industry.

There are 732 jeans units located in the city and its outskirts. For the past ten years, the industry has been hit by recurring summer water shortages. However, officials and political leaders have not offered any lasting solutions, leaving the concerns of business owners unaddressed.

Jeans washing units, which require large quantities of water, have increased their processing fees by 30–40 percent to cope. But this led to some unit owners temporarily shutting down operations for four to five months instead of bearing higher washing costs.

Venugopal, who speaks for the washing unit owners, said that over 30 units were closed during the pandemic. Even after four to five years, the situation remains the same. The sector continues to suffer losses each year during the summer season.

Operating costs have risen significantly—workers now earn Rs 30,000, and electricity charges have gone up to Rs 1.2 lakh per month. According to Venugopal, the industry was profitable till 2006. Back then, washing a pair of jeans cost Rs 18 and later dropped to Rs 14 due to competition. Earlier, electricity bills were around Rs 25,000 and worker salaries averaged Rs 10,000, making the total monthly expense around Rs 2 lakh per unit.