Don't stop water supply, Kutch units tell Gujarat govt

Close to 35,000 small industries will face the heat, literally, as Gujarat government has decided to supply Narmada waters only for drinking purpose. These units are supposed to get 90 Million Litres per Day (MLD) but will be reduced to virtually zero if the government proceeds with the plan, fear local industries.

The state government decided after water in the Sardar Sarovar Dam was found to be inadequate for even summer crops. Giving priority to the requirement to supply potable water, the government has also advised the farmers not to sow Summer crops.

In a recent letter to chief minister Vijay Rupani, Federation of Kutch Industries Association (FOKIA) requested the CM to not discontinue the water supply or else operations od small industries would come to a grinding halt.

Total requirement of industries in Kutch is close to 250 MLD, of which 90 MLD is supplied by the state government through Gujarat Water Infrastructure Ltd (GWIL), while the rest is for captive use by large industries.

"Of the 90 MLD, water for potable use will be supplied. But if water for operations is not supplied then units will have to stop functioning. This will result in layoffs and units will not be able to honour their commitments. If exports fail on orders, it will be a huge blow to India's reputation," said Nimish Phase, managing director of FOKIA.

He urged that units supply about 50% water to at least be able to honour critical commitments. He also suggested that the government should also explore if large corporates have spare capacities in their captive desalination or sewage recycling plants. "We need to think out of the box to find a solution to this unprecedented crisis. Or else investment to the tune of Rs 1,40,000 crore, a significant portion of which by MSMEs, will be in jeopardy," he added.