Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Mar 6: Mangaluru's iconic ‘Mangalore Tiles’ industry is facing a severe crisis due to stringent and impractical government regulations, leaving nearly 2,000 workers and their families in distress. The unscientific policies on clay excavation, crucial for tile production, have forced factory owners to consider halting operations.

Local authorities have imposed several obstacles on mining the clay needed for tile manufacturing. New regulations, previously non-existent, are now strictly enforced, making it increasingly difficult for factories to sustain operations. While clay excavation is allowed only during February, March, and April, impractical policies are restricting production, causing widespread concern among factory owners and workers.

For over a century, Mangaluru has been known for its high-quality tiles. At its peak, the region had 80 tile factories in Mangaluru, 17 in Kundapur, and 16 in Uttara Kannada district. However, due to clay shortages and labour issues, all factories in Uttara Kannada have shut down. Currently, only nine factories operate in Kundapur, while Mangaluru has just four functioning tile factories.

"As per the new regulations of the mining department, clearance from more than 14 departments is required to excavate clay. It is practically impossible to work under such conditions. Unlike Dakshina Kannada, Udupi district enforces these stringent rules. Authorities need to address this issue seriously and resolve it as soon as possible," urged Prakash T Soans, president of the Tile Factory Owners Association, Kundapur.

Factory owners have always sourced clay only from private lands, with no government land used so far. They have never received subsidies or exemptions. However, the Udupi district mineral department's recent directive requires obtaining multiple permits from various departments before securing clay from the mining department, making procurement nearly impossible.

Authorities are treating clay mining like sand and gravel excavation, which factory owners argue is inappropriate. The permit system for sand transportation cannot be applied to clay, as hundreds of trucks transport clay daily. Additionally, server issues in Kundapur have further hindered the raw material supply to the remaining factories.

Since clay for the entire year's production can only be collected during February, March, and April, the onset of the monsoon season makes excavation impossible, adding to the challenges faced by tile manufacturers.

Mangaluru's tile and brick industry, dating back to 1865, has grown to serve markets across India and internationally. Mangalore Tiles are globally recognized for their quality and durability, significantly contributing to the region’s economy and employment for generations.

Tile manufacturers have consistently paid government-mandated royalties to continue production. The industry's association worked with the government to set royalty amounts based on production levels. Until recently, this process was smooth, ensuring uninterrupted tile production.

However, new restrictions imposed by the department of mines and geology on clay excavation from private lands have forced many tile factories to shut down, threatening the livelihood of thousands of workers. The tile and brick industry has been the backbone of Karnataka’s construction sector, supporting the economy for over a century.

Factory owners submitted a formal request to the deputy commissioner on February 25, seeking relief from the new regulations. Appeals have also been made to the ministers of mines and geology, the labour department, and relevant district authorities. However, there has been no response so far.

With the industry at a standstill, thousands of workers remain in uncertainty. Without urgent intervention, Karnataka’s historic tile industry may face permanent closure.