Nashik: Industry suffers Rs 400 crore loss

The industries in Nashik, which bore the brunt of violence after MNS chief Raj Thackeray's arrest in Mumbai, have suffered losses to the tune of Rs 400 crore.

The incidents of stone-pelting, arson and exodus of North Indian workers from the region have hit the local industries hard, Prashant Sathe, general secretary of Nashik Industries Manufacturers' Association (NIMA) said.

NIMA has put the losses suffered by the industries in violence at Rs 400 crore. However, this (exodus of workers) can prove to be blessing in disguise for the unemployed youths of the region who can now find a job for themselves in these industries, Sathe added.

Dhananjay Bele, president of Ambad Industrial Manufacturers' Association (AIMA) said, "We are facing a big problem after many North Indians have quit."

At least 40 per cent of the industries, especially the small-scale ones, have been badly affected, he said.

There are over 200 big industries and 1500 small units scattered over both Satpur and Ambad industrial belts in the region. Bhele said 10 per cent of small-scale units are nearly closed, and if the labour problem continues, others too might be badly affected. Meanwhile, all the finishing work in construction sectors has come to standstill due to lack of labours.