Prolonged power cuts result in shutdown of industries in Kanpur

Kanpur, Aug 11 (ANI): The once flourishing industries of Kanpur is facing problems due to the prolonged power cuts, forcing the industrialists to either shutdown their business or seek alternatives.

The industrialists have to bear the cost of generators through which they are running the machines.

The labourers working in these industries fear loss of their jobs as many industrialists are preparing to shut the industries.

"We hardly get electricity. Factory owners say that they might close the factory soon. We are working hard to make both ends meet. Our families are also tensed. If the government does not take any necessary steps immediately, this will turn out to be a big problem for us," said Raghuvir Sharma, a labourer.

Many industries are shifting their bases to Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh.

Vijay Kapur, the chairman of Kanpur Industrial Development Co-operative State Limited said that due to power cuts, industrialists are working under losses.

"At present, the industries are receiving electricity for only 12-13 hours and that too not in a continuous process because of which the heat which is generated and loaded, lowers down. The industrialists are facing loses both in manpower and materials. They are almost working in loses," said Kapur.

After independence, in the middle of 1950s, industries in Kanpur were at their peak. Various big industries developed by British emperors were taken over by the Central Government.

Along with these, other big industries like ventures of J K industries, Swadeshi Cotton Mill, Elgin Mills Co. Ltd., Lal Imli and many others were formed and most of their industries were under the supervision of the Central Government.

Big industries like Duncan, Elgin, Muir Mills and J. K Mills have already been shut down in the city.

Kanpur was one of the biggest producers of the textile products.

Apart from the textile industry and the leather industry, two wheelers, chemicals, fertilizers, hosiery, and engineering goods were also the major industries that made this city the 'Manchester of the East'.(ANI)