Ballari jeans industry faces major crisis
Over two lakh people are directly or indirectly dependent on it
The internationally renowned Ballari jeans industry, once celebrated for its large-scale production and global reach, is now staring at one of the worst crises in recent years. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the district’s economy, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has ordered the closure of 36 jeans washing units, citing severe environmental violations. The action has resulted in the sealing of units and disconnection of power supply, leaving thousands of workers in uncertainty.
The crackdown follows multiple inspection reports indicating that several units were discharging untreated chemical-laced wastewater into open drains and surrounding areas. According to officials, despite repeated notices and warnings issued over months, many units failed to comply with basic environmental norms, particularly the installation and operation of effluent treatment plants.
Authorities stated that the continuous release of untreated wastewater posed a significant threat to soil quality, groundwater, and the overall ecosystem. With rising complaints from residents and environmental activists, KSPCB finally initiated decisive action. BESCOM officials, acting on the pollution board’s directive, disconnected electricity to the identified units before sealing their premises.
The closure has triggered widespread anxiety among the people of Ballari.
The jeans industry—comprising washing, dyeing, stitching, and ancillary labour—is a major source of livelihood in the region. Over two lakh people are directly or indirectly dependent on it. With the washing units shut, several other connected operations have come to a standstill, bringing daily work and income to a halt for a large segment of the workforce.
Local workers, many of whom live on daily wages, expressed fear that prolonged closure could force families into financial distress.
“If the units remain shut for long, we won’t have any source of income. Thousands of us depend on these jobs. The government should intervene immediately,” said one distressed worker.
Industry owners, however, have chosen to remain silent. With allegations of environmental oversight and negligence surfacing, many unit operators have avoided public statements. Insiders say the industry was aware of the pollution concerns but delayed corrective measures due to cost factors and administrative lapses.
