The Odisha government has announced plans to establish a modern, labour-intensive textile and apparel industry cluster on the premises of the defunct Shree Sarala Weavers Cooperative Spinning Mill in Tirtol, Jagatsinghpur district, as part of efforts to revive industrial activity and generate employment in the region.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, said the initiative marks the first step towards the redevelopment of the long-closed mill site. In line with directions issued by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has recently allocated Rs. 23 crore (US $2.41 million) to the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department to facilitate possession of the mill property.

According to the minister, the land will subsequently be transferred to IDCO’s land bank, paving the way for the development of a new textile and apparel manufacturing cluster at the location.

Swain stated that the proposed industrial development is expected to create substantial employment opportunities in the local area, strengthen Odisha’s textile sector and contribute to the economic growth of both Jagatsinghpur district and the state.

The Shree Sarala Spinning Mill, established in 1982 at an investment of Rs. 4.5 crore (US $470,000), was once the only major industrial unit in the Tirtol region. The 44-year-old facility has remained closed for more than 26 years following the devastating super cyclone of 1999.

Before its closure, the mill employed around 1,200 workers and served as a key source of livelihood for local families. Over the years, machinery and equipment at the facility, including a large power generator, have fallen into disrepair.

The proposed textile and apparel cluster is expected to play a role in expanding Odisha’s manufacturing base while attracting new investments and employment opportunities in the state’s textile sector.