The decision has created anxiety in the industry, which employs over 10,000 workers, both directly and indirectly, as it coincides with the upcoming Christmas, Pongal, and New Year business season. Sources said the KSPCB action followed a Lokayukta visit during which violations, such as untreated wastewater being released into drains, were found.

Speaking to The Indian Express , Pollux Mallikarjun, a jeans washing unit owner, said that Ballari has around 500 garment units that manufacture 50,000 jeans every day. “Many people rely on the units for their livelihood, and after Covid-19 , the power crisis and water shortage severely impacted production. Now, this notice has come as a shock to us,” he said.

He said that production and supply have already been affected by the closure of th

See Full Page