The only industry which had made the country self reliant on cotton clothes however came to closure on 2001. Established with the help of Chinese government in 1976, it actually suffered inapt decisions or political 'sharing', according to people associated with the industry. Or else, it needed to run, uninterrupted, states Deepak Acharya, Administrative Officer of Hetauda Industrial Corridor Management Committee.Acharya is, however, quite excited now following the news of the industry's revival. As the news of Nepal Army proposing the government to resume the industry is making rounds, it had reinstalled hope in many, including the guards who have been taking care of the dead spot for years. "After the industry was closed, staffs had to leave. Only we were left, as we were still needed to guard this area. It was so full of life then but turned to a dead zone as soon as it was closed," reminisced Tej Bahadur Tamang, who was spotted at the gate on Friday evening.
Tamang's relationship with the industry is 36 years old. Desperate to unload his memories since he was appointed guard in there, Tamang kept talking to Republica non-stop. With eyes wet with tears at the news of the factory's revival, Tamang stated that around 1500 staffs might have lost job then.
"If you talk of then, it is difficult to describe the scenario. Let me just say that it was one of the most wonderful place to be in. You see the ground; it was not lifeless like now. There were flowers of different colors, labors would come, sit and some would even take a nap after their duty was over," Tamang narrated. "Look there at the administrative office. Our boss could see us from there and we would remain always on alert fearing him and would even standing the entire duty time," he added.
Now the sight of the office makes him feels nostalgic. But what have lately given him hope are the rounds of visit by Nepal Army personals. "The army official who visited the industry has told that the army would be running this industry once again if the government allows. This place could breathe once again," an elated Tamang said.
Nepal Army has asked the Ministry of Industry to allow it to run the HTI. According to Nepal Army Spokesperson Tara Bahadur Karki, the army has proposed different modalities to run the industry through the Ministry of Defense. "Our proposal stresses on repairing old machines, bringing new ones and other strategies so as to make this industry stand on its own feet in the long run," Karki said.
HTI is spread in 850 ropanis of land. There are around 30 cottages in the premises. Machines could be seen in place for binding, washing and printing, among others. For dying of clothes there are two separate buildings with huge machines.
Karki said that the goal of the resumption of the factory is to produce sufficient uniform not only for Army, but also for Armed Police Force and Nepal Police. "Now, we are importing our uniforms from Korea, India, Japan, and other nations. We have a dream to wear uniforms made in our own land, by our own men," Karki said. The proposal will have to be approved by the cabinet.
HTI fulfilled the need of Nepal Army's clothing when it was in operation. All the combat dress would be made here. The cotton clothes would also be supplied to hospitals and hotels. With the closure of the industry, Nepal depended on imports for all kinds of cotton wears. Another guard at the factory, Bam Bahadur Karki meanwhile expressed hope that may be he could wear dress made in the same factory once again.
Karki still has vivid memory of the generosity of the factory. Two pairs of dress in a year, bonus in Dashain, school dress for children and so on would be given to staffs. "There was health facility for staffs and their family members. Medicines would be provided for free. In case any employee would face unaccounted for high medical expenses, the factory would support," said Karki. He expressed hope that the government would do the needful to bring the factory back to life.
Related story
Govt mulls allowing Nepal Army to revive Hetauda Textile Indust...
