Surat textile mills struggle with extreme heat

Textile mills on the outskirts of Surat are operating under blazing temperatures and high humidity that are intensified on the factory floor. Steam, radiating heat and chemical smells from equipment such as stenters, boilers and drum washers contribute to stifling conditions. Reporters observed that these indoor environments can feel even more oppressive than the already hot outdoor air.

The region has seen rising day and night temperatures, with summer highs reaching about 45 degrees Celsius. The combination of outdoor heat and heat-generating machinery has turned large production halls into difficult workplaces for the thousands of people employed there.

Some factories have tried to reduce the heat burden by installing evaporative coolers that spray mist, turbo ventilators, centralized air ducts and ceiling ventilation systems. These measures can move cooler air across work areas and offer short periods of relief. However, they are often outmatched by the constant heat produced by processing equipment, especially during the hottest days.

Most mills still rely mainly on fans rather than more effective, and more expensive, cooling technologies. Experts have urged that industrial areas like these be explicitly included in broader heat action plans to address the specific risks facing factory workers and operations.

Workers inside the mills have reported heavy sweating, dizziness and occasional fainting during extended shifts. The report cited shifts of around 10–12 hours, often spent near high-temperature machinery with limited cooling. One worker described earning roughly $7 for a shift of that length, underscoring the economic constraints many employees face.

These health impacts can affect concentration and stamina, contributing to lower efficiency on the production line. The combination of long hours, high temperatures and modest wages highlights the pressure on labor that underpins the city’s textile output.

At Vinit Fabrics, a manager said the mill normally employs about 700 people but is currently operating at roughly 60% capacity. The reduced utilization reflects both economic pressures and labor shortages. Owners there cited U.S. tariffs and supply disruptions linked to the Iran war as factors limiting their ability or willingness to invest in upgraded cooling systems.

Despite these constraints, Surat factories continue to produce millions of meters of polyester cloth used for sarees, dresses and other garments around the world. The tension between sustaining export-oriented production and managing heat-related risks to workers and machinery remains a central challenge for the sector.