Yamuna floods cause over 500 crore in losses for Tronica City enterprises, forcing them to seek government assistance. Devastating
Yamuna floods cause over 500 crore in losses for Tronica City enterprises, forcing them to seek government assistance.
The recent breach in the Alipur embankment by the swollen Yamuna River has caused significant challenges for industrial units in Tronica City, Ghaziabad. Rahul Tyagi, the owner of a small manufacturing unit, has been forced to hire pumps at a cost of ₹1,500 per hour to drain the water that has inundated his facility since Thursday. Other industrial units in the area are facing similar issues, leading to a halt in manufacturing and other activities. It is estimated that it will take another week or 10 days for normalcy to return to Tronica City.
The repair of the embankment breach was completed by Saturday night. However, not before the nearby villages, residential areas, and small and microindustrial units in Tronica City suffered heavy losses due to the inundation caused by the release of thousands of cusecs of water. While the water level is gradually decreasing, the daily accumulation of losses is becoming a significant concern for the affected businesses. Machinery, stocks, and pending orders have been delayed or damaged, resulting in substantial financial setbacks.
Amit Bansal, another factory owner in Tronica City, pointed out that approximately 90% of the units in the industrial area are micro and small enterprises. Many of these units are located in basements or on the ground floor, making them more vulnerable to flooding. The process of draining out the water has been underway since Sunday, with the deployment of pumps in the area. However, it may take up to a week for the units to resume full operation. Bansal estimates a loss of around 12–15 lakh for his ice units, including the shutdown period, spoiled orders, and labour costs.
The challenges faced by the industrial units in Tronica City extend beyond the flooding. The area suffers from inadequate drainage and improper garbage disposal, exacerbating the situation. Business owners have had to deal with the displacement of labourers, pending orders, stranded consignments of perishable items, incomplete orders, and loss of customer base, among other issues stemming from the flooding.
Tronica City, developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA), encompasses approximately 2,300 different units spread over a developed area of about 1,700 acres. The Indian Industries Association and the Tronica City Manufacturers’ Association have been actively advocating for assistance and compensation from UPSIDA and district officials to mitigate the losses suffered by the affected units. The associations have requested the deployment of more pumps, sanitization efforts, and financial compensation for the estimated losses, which could range anywhere between ₹500 and 1,000 crores.
Mayur Maheshwari, the CEO of UPSIDA (Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority), recently visited Tronica City on Monday to address the challenges faced by the industrial units in the area due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall. During his visit, he held meetings with industrial associations and district officials to devise a plan to mitigate the impact of the flooding and support the affected businesses.
One of the immediate actions taken by the CEO was to direct the installation of at least 25 pumps in Tronica City to drain out the water. This step aimed to alleviate the flooding and minimise further damage to the industrial units. Additionally, compensation issues resulting from the losses suffered by the businesses were to be addressed by district administration officials. By involving the relevant authorities, steps were taken to ensure that affected businesses would receive the necessary support and financial assistance to recover from the losses incurred.
Furthermore, efforts were being made to restart two electricity substations in the area once the flooding subsided. The restoration of electricity was crucial for the affected industrial units to resume their operations and prevent further disruption to their business activities. By prioritising the restoration of essential services like electricity, the authorities aimed to facilitate the recovery process for businesses in Tronica City.
To assess the extent of losses suffered by the industrial units in Tronica City, the district industries department planned to send teams for inspection on Tuesday. These teams would evaluate the damages incurred by the businesses and compile a comprehensive report outlining the losses. The findings of this assessment would then be forwarded to the state government for further action. This step aimed to provide the government with accurate information regarding the economic impact of the flooding and enable them to implement appropriate measures to support the affected businesses.
The situation in Tronica City highlights the vulnerability of businesses to natural disasters and emphasises the importance of having adequate infrastructure in place to mitigate such risks. Flooding and other natural calamities can have severe economic consequences, leading to financial losses, disrupted operations, and potential job losses. Therefore, industrial associations, government authorities, and relevant agencies must work collaboratively to provide timely support and assistance to the affected businesses.
In addition to immediate relief efforts, long-term measures should be implemented to enhance the resilience of businesses against future disasters. This may include infrastructure improvements such as better drainage systems and flood control mechanisms, as well as implementing comprehensive disaster management plans. By investing in resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster preparedness, the industrial units in Tronica City and other vulnerable areas can reduce their susceptibility to such events and protect their livelihoods.
Furthermore, it is essential to promote awareness and education among businesses about disaster risk reduction strategies and the importance of implementing contingency plans. This can help them develop the necessary resilience to withstand and recover effectively from the impacts of natural disasters. Collaborative efforts between industrial associations, government bodies, and relevant agencies play a crucial role in providing the necessary resources, expertise, and support to ensure business continuity and facilitate the recovery of affected areas.
In conclusion, the visit of Mayur Maheshwari, CEO of UPSIDA, to Tronica City highlighted the challenges faced by industrial units in the aftermath of flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Immediate actions were taken to drain out water, address compensation issues, and restore electricity to support the affected businesses. Additionally, efforts were made to assess the losses suffered by the industrial units, enabling the state government to take appropriate action.
The situation emphasised the vulnerability of businesses to natural disasters and the need for robust infrastructure and disaster management plans. By implementing proactive measures and providing timely support, industrial associations, government authorities, and relevant agencies can enhance the resilience of businesses and minimise the economic impact of such events in the future.
