The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estate in Sanand is grappling with significant disruptions due to recent heavy rainfall, which has led to widespread power outages. The situation has particularly impacted over 100 industrial units, halting production and causing considerable financial losses. On Tuesday, the Sanand GIDC estate experienced a severe power supply failure following the inundation of a key substation. The flooding, caused by persistent downpours, compromised both power and water supply to approximately 300 factories in the region. Although efforts are underway to restore normalcy, as of Friday, more than 100 factories remain affected by ongoing power outages.
The estimated production loss at Sanand GIDC is approximately ₹100 crore per day, a significant blow to the industrial sector. Sanand Industries Association (SIA) officials have reported that while authorities are actively working to address the power supply issues, the inefficacy of current infrastructure to handle water drainage has exacerbated the problem. SIA President emphasised the urgency of installing a dedicated stormwater drainage system at Sanand GIDC to mitigate future flooding risks. The lack of proper infrastructure for water management has been a key factor in the prolonged disruptions.
In contrast, other GIDC estates across Gujarat, including those in Vadodara, are showing signs of recovery. According to a former president of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), most GIDC estates in Vadodara are resuming operations more swiftly than anticipated. Many units are operating at about 50% capacity in Vadodara and Rajkot, while facilities in Porbandar and Dwarka remain largely shut. The situation highlights the pressing need for improved infrastructure to manage heavy rainfall and ensure the resilience of industrial operations during adverse weather conditions. The restoration of full operational capacity at Sanand GIDC is crucial for mitigating the economic impact on the region’s industrial output.
