HETAUDA: Government agencies have intensified on-site monitoring and preparations as the government moves forward with plans to revive the long-shuttered Hetauda Textile Industry.
Established in 2032 BS and operational from 2035 BS within the Hetauda Industrial Area, the textile factory has remained closed since 2057 BS. Although several attempts have been made over the years to restart operations, none have been successful.
However, renewed government interest has accelerated efforts to bring the industry back into operation, according to Himalaya Bhandari, Information Officer at the Hetauda Office of Industrial Area Management Limited.
“Alongside the Hetauda Textile Industry, a yarn factory in Butwal and a cotton-processing factory in Nepalgunj, Banke, were also operating at the time,” Bhandari said. “Both facilities ceased operations following the closure of the textile industry.”
He noted that periodic efforts have been made to revive the industry and claimed that the factory is now in a condition to resume operations with only minor repairs to its machinery and equipment.
According to Bhandari, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has taken a leading role in the revival initiative. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav has already conducted an on-site inspection of the factory.
A separate inspection was also carried out by a team comprising Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Meena Kumari Lama, the Chief District Officer of Makawanpur, and other officials.
While responding to lawmakers’ queries on the annual budget for fiscal year 2083/84 in the House of Representatives, Minister Yadav said the government plans to bring the Hetauda Textile Industry back into operation this year.
She stated that the textile factory would be the first among several state-owned “sick industries” to be revived. The government is also preparing to restart the Butwal yarn factory and cotton production linked to the textile sector.
Following the closure of the textile industry, the premises remained largely unused. Since 2075 BS, the Armed Police Force’s No. 14 Battalion has been stationed at the site to ensure security.
Prior to the deployment of security personnel, only two employees were responsible for safeguarding the facility. Officials said the premises had become vulnerable to encroachment and illegal activities, including drug abuse. Security conditions have improved significantly since the deployment of the Armed Police Force.
As part of the government’s renewed efforts, personnel from the Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police have jointly undertaken a clean-up campaign within the industrial premises.
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