The power loom industry of Bhiwandi in Thane district, nearly 55 km from downtown Mumbai, has suffered extensively during the torrential rains earlier this week.
Located in the middle of the eastern and western suburbs of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Bhiwandi has over seven lakh power looms and more than seven to 10 lakh people are employed here directly or indirectly.
“The impact in Bhiwandi was big,” Bhiwandi Powerloom Association spokesperson Sharadram Sejpal said. “First, there were problems that we suffered because of ‘notebandi’ (demonetisation), then came GST…and now this rains over a prolonged period,” he said, adding that the problems get compounded because of the dumping of Chinese goods.
Sejpal said that because of the non-stop rains, water has entered into several units. “Not only the stock but the machinery and looms were also damaged,” he said, adding, “Motors have been damaged because of a short circuit.” He also said that there are potholes along the Kalyan-Bhiwandi stretch.
“Commuting has also become difficult for people,” he said, adding that Bhiwandi is an important segment in the value chain of the textile industry. “Whether it is cotton, terrycot, synthetic, suiting-shirting, sarees, dress material…everything is here,” he said.
Trying to explain the economics, he said, “The economics is huge…one loom produces 50 metres per hour. The average cost of one metre is around Rs 20.”