Nellore: Workers shortage to hit industrial units

Nellore: Even though the State Government had issued green signal for restarting the industries in green zones, local people who are scared of coronavirus are imposing restrictions on the movement of workers.

Consequently, industrial organisations are facing difficult situation due to the current covid-19 pandemic.

Many industries and special economic zones are located in Tada and Naidupet mandals. Workers from Tada, Sullurpet and Doravari Satram mandals come to the industrial units daily as the companies have arranged transportation facilities.

In recent times, the number of covid-19 positive cases have been increased in the region due to links to the traders with the Koyambedu Market in Chennai.

There are 25 positive cases from Sullurpet constituency and the number may increase after the results from labs are revealed. On Thursday, Apache Footwear started resumed operations and around 10,000 workers from the region work in the unit.

Majority among them are from rural areas. But, due to the impact of the pandemic, people started refusing to allow their children to attend the duties.

There are 18 fishermen habitations in the region. They are not willing to work in the industrial units during the present crisis.

Village heads impose penalties of Rs 10,000 on the violators. With this, youngsters who work in these industrial units are not willing to attend the duties.

Chenigunta in Tada Mandal and other villages also announced restrictions to work in industrial organisations. Other villages also obstructing the movement of the workers fearing that they may get affected by the virus.

Apache Footwear India Private Limited, Indus Coffee Private Limited and other units have started operations on Thursday. But they may face shortage of manpower in the coming days due to the decision of the villagers in the region.