Udupi: The iconic Mangalore Tiles industry is grappling with an unprecedented crisis due to stringent government regulations, jeopardizing the livelihoods of nearly 2,000 workers and their families. The restrictive policies on clay excavation, vital for tile manufacturing, have left factory owners struggling to sustain operations.
Regulations Stifle Clay Excavation
Authorities have tightened restrictions on clay mining, enforcing new bureaucratic hurdles that were previously non-existent. Despite excavation being permitted only in February, March, and April, impractical rules have severely limited production, sparking concern among factory owners.
Once Thriving Industry Now in Decline
Mangaluru, once home to 80 tile factories, now has only four operational units. In Kundapur, the number has dwindled to nine, while Uttara Kannada has lost all its factories due to labour shortages and raw material constraints.
Government-Induced Crisis
The Tile Factory Owners Association criticizes the requirement for 14 department clearances for clay mining, calling it unworkable. Factory owners argue that clay mining is wrongly equated to sand and gravel excavation, making it nearly impossible to procure raw materials.
A Call for Urgent Intervention
With no subsidies or exemptions, tile manufacturers have formally appealed for relief, urging authorities to revise the policies. If swift action is not taken, Karnataka’s historic tile industry faces a permanent shutdown, endangering generations of livelihoods.
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