Rains give tile factories new life

The tile factories in Mangalore are unable to meet the heavy demand for tiles. Presently, there are only five tile factories and the demand far outstrips the supply.

F M Lobo, chairman, Cascia Tile Factory told the Business Standard that the demand for tiles has seen a steep increase lately. "We are unable to meet the demand," he added.

Traditionally, tiles have been used by the people in coastal Karnataka for the roof. But lately, there has been a shift from tiled to concrete roofs. But, these have been found to be unsuitable in the region as the heavy rains in the region have led to the concrete roofs springing leaks.

This has led to people sticking tiles on the concrete roof. This has led to a surge in the demand for roof tiles. Also, the legislation by the Goa government making roofing tiles compulsory for government buildings has led to the increase in the demand.

There were 43 tile factories in Mangalore about 20 years ago. Most have closed down. The severe crisis faced by them was due to a shortage of raw material, the heavy costs incurred on fuel and a lack of demand. Now tile factories are set for better times.

Hopefully, the initiative taken by the National Institute of Technology-Karnataka to research on an alternative technology will yield results.