Fire guts artificial hair factory in Howrah

HOWRAH: The only factory in India that makes artificial hair from jute for idols was guttedin an early morning fire on Saturday.

The devastating fire completely destroyed the approximately 2,000 sq ft artificial hair factory in Parbatipur, Jagatballavpur. The manufacturing unit reported that the damage is estimated to be nearly Rs 10 lakh.

Early in the morning, local residents suddenly saw large flames. Within moments, the fire spread throughout the entire factory. The factory authorities said that both finished and unfinished products, as well as raw materials like jute, were extensively damaged. Three to four fire tenders were used to control the fire.

Workers at the manufacturing unit said that the artificial hair for deities made in this factory was exported all over Bengal, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, South India, and various other places.

It was the only factory in India that produced jute-made artificial hair. Authorities fear that there will be problems supplying pot hair for Mumbai's Ganpati festival, as well as Bengal's Durga Puja and Kali Puja this year, because it will take time to rebuild and reorganize the factory.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.