The state government of Karnataka has announced plans to establish a Jeans Textile Park in Ballari, aimed at promoting the flourishing jeans industry in the region. With over 500 jeans industry units in Ballari city and the livelihoods of 10,000 families dependent on this sector, the initiative is set to bolster the textile industry in the area.
The decision to set up the Jeans Textile Park has been backed by meticulous preparations. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has designated survey number A for the development of a 122-acre park near Ballari. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Ballari Garment Export Cluster Pvt Ltd, has been entrusted with the land development, and KIADB has directed the SPV to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Additionally, the State Pollution Control Board has been approached for necessary permissions.
The proposed Jeans Textile Park, located in Aladahalli near Ballari, aims to house five key units, including Jeans and Cotton Garment Manufacturing, Hosiery and Garment Manufacturing, Spinning (Yarn Making), Powerloom, and Washing Units. The phased expansion strategy reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing the industry gradually.
In line with a promise made by Rahul Gandhi during the previous Vidanasabha elections, the Karnataka Congress government has allocated 50 acres of land in Aladahalli for the establishment of the park. Ballari City MLA Nara Bharat Reddy expressed the intention to secure funding for the park in the upcoming budget, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of district leadership in this endeavor.
While the location of the Jeans Textile Park was initially allotted in 2008 during the BJP government, the Congress government’s re-allocation of the same site underscores its commitment to advancing the project. However, Ibrahim Babu, the president of the Ballari Jeans Association, has raised concerns about the chosen location, citing challenges related to water facilities due to the hilly terrain near Aladahalli.