Shoddy blanket makers upbeat over getting orders from UP Govt for Kumbh Mela

Orders for shoddy yarn blankets from the Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand governments for the Kumbh Mela will infuse a fresh lease of life to the local blanket industry this season, which has been on the decline.

SK Wadhwa, a blanket manufacturer, said a majority of the local units are engaged in rolling out shoddy woollen blankets, made from yarn sourced from old woolen garments. This blanket is available in the price range between Rs 150 and Rs 400 per piece. “The blanket is widely used for donation purpose and its domestic use has become negligible. Though it is warmer than mink and fleece blankets but people adore it later for their fine looks.” Around 10 local units are engaged in manufacturing popular mink and fleece blankets.

Bhupinder Arora, president of the Shoddy Weavers’ Association, said the local blanket industry is on downward spiral. Only around 200 looms are operational and three processing houses are active in the city. Successive governments have never bothered about taking stock of the local blanket industry, which once figured in the top bracket in the country.