Noise hazard: Power loom units may face upgrades
Chennai: Power loom units in Tamil Nadu may soon face mandatory upgrades as a study highlights noise hazards. Tamil Nadu's 5.68 lakh power loom units, including over 89,000 in Salem and 19,350 in Tharamangalam alone, may soon have to reduce their noise levels or face restrictions.
A detailed study reviewed by the Tamil Nadu pollution control board (TNPCB) has flagged serious health and environmental concerns from traditional shuttle looms.
The study, conducted by the centre for environmental studies (CES) at Anna University and shared with power loom associations and departments like MSME, TANSIDCO, and SIDBI, identifies shuttle movement in conventional looms as the primary cause of noise.
In some cases, individual exposure exceeds permissible limits, but many operators are either unaware or afraid to acknowledge it, fearing job loss. The CES report recommends upgrading old looms to shuttle-less rapier looms and installing soundproof barriers at doors and windows using transparent materials.
These changes, the study notes, can reduce ambient noise levels to the CPCB standards for residential areas situated 6 to 7.5 metres away from loom units.
However, the upgrade won't be easy. Converting a single loom is estimated to cost between 1,00,000 and 1,50,000. Officials and industry representatives pointed out that immediate large-scale conversion is not feasible. Most operators in the Tharamangalam area produce polyester blends, dhotis, towels, and uniform cloths for the govt's welfare schemes, making them heavily dependent on existing loom types.
The department of handlooms stated that product-specific considerations should be factored in and that conversion decisions cannot be rushed.
Meanwhile, TANSIDCO suggested a funding model where up to 70% of the cost could be covered through a mix of govt subsidy, long-term bank loans, and owner contribution.
Other concerns raised include the lack of trained mechanics, supply chain issues, and difficulty in converting older looms to newer types such as air-jet or water-jet models. The CES clarified that water-jet looms generate 85 dBA, which is lower than rapier or projectile types, but conversions to these are not technically feasible with existing equipment.
At a recent meeting, loom associations, including the Kumaran Powerloom & General Workers Union, gave written acceptance of the study's recommendations but called for phased implementation. The matter is now before the National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone).
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