Brief Note

Jodhpur Industries Association (JIA) is the pioneer organization established during the year1958 with its HQ. at JODHPUR. This is the oldest Association dedicated to cause of Industrial growth and development of Industries covering large area of arid zone with low rain fall, water scarcity, lack of communication system/roads/transport in western part of Rajasthan State. The activities of the Association started under compelling circumstances during the year-1958 with a mere strength of few member industries with late Shri I.C.Ghoshal and Shri C.M. Agarwal as President and Secretary respectively. Under the guidance and sincere efforts of these two leaders, the Association could gain momentum to place their genuine demands before the Government for Industrial development and expansion of Industries in Jodhpur District. The initiative taken by these two leaders was followed by able industrialists for the last 61 years with increasing strength and co-operation from other Business community. Sincere efforts paid dividends to change the face/shape of Jodhpur City now being the second largest city of Rajasthan with population touching to
nearly 16 lakh people.

THE city of Jodhpur called ‘SUNCITY’ was the Capital of Rathore clan of Rajputs which ruled this arid zone for centuries together has been known as the “Region of Death”. The presence of surrounding low hills with ridges and some lakes gives an abrupt contrast to the otherwise flat and weathered landscapes. The city was founded in 1456 A.D. by Rao Jodha Singh. The place Mandore now a picnic spot located about 10 km from centre of the present city was ancient capital of old Marwar State. Till 1562 A.D. the city consisted mainly the fort and some development around it. The city wall about 10 km all round pierced by six gates was constructed during 1563 & 1803 A.D. The gates bear the names of important town namely Jalori Gate, Siwanchi Gate, Sojati Gate, Nagori Gate, Mertia Gate etc. During the period 1804 to 1890 A.D. some developments were started outside the wall. Important water storage like Kailana Dam, Fathey Sagar, Rani Sagar, Padam Sagar, Gulab Sagar, etc. were also constructed.

The first railway line was laid in the year-1891 which gave begining for further developments and later on a Railway HQ was established. Trade, and commerce flourished. Some new colonies like Ratanada, Sardarpura, Paota, Shastri Nagar, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Pratap Nagar, Sangaria, Basni, Boranada, Chopasni and Kudi Bhagtasni Housing Board colonies etc, came after Independence of the country and with influx of the displaced person mostly from Sindh of Pakistan. Due to Industrial growth, improved supply of water, electricity, communication system and transport, the population started increasing very frequently. The population of Jodhpur as per 1961-census was 2,24,760 only but today it is estimated to be around 16 lakhs. The city is now well connected by Broad Gauge Railway lines with direct trains to Kolkata, Jammu, Varansi, Mumbai, Kalka etc for easy and fast movements of all class of people. Direct Air-travel is also possible for Delhi, Mumbai from Jodhpur now.

The city of Jodhpur now has Rajasthan’s High Court, J. N. V. University for education,
Engineering Colleges, Medical College, Polytechnic Institute, Law College. Besides these govt. organizations like Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Arid Forest Research Institute, State Remote Sensing Centre, Defense Laboratory, Border Security Force HQ., Oil India HQ. and many other small offices to deal with different problems of the people in Western Region are located here.

The growth in Industrial Sector was much less before 1961. However, with the establishment of more Industrial units every year in a phased manner, facilities were arranged by the Association with regular interaction with Government organization, thus industrialization became faster. The present Industrial areas in and around jodhpur are increasing every year with new Industrial Pockets like Sangaria, Boranada, New Pali Road etc. The city has become important centre for exports of Handicrafts and Guar Gum to other countries.

Previously Jodhpur’s main sources of water supply were Jawai and Hemawas reservoirs of Pali District. The Water from these two reservoirs was brought to Jodhpur through a canal and stored in Takhat sagar reservoir near Jodhpur city. The distribution of water was done through Kailana, Takhat sagar and Umed sagar reservoirs. The storage was dependant and restricted on rain fall. Now water supply problem is very much solved due to lift canal water being brought from Indira Gandhi Canal for regular supply to cater the need of large population and Industries.

Similarly the city of Jodhpur was a great sufferer as far as supply of electricity was
concerned in this region. The industrial units have been greatly suffering from sudden power failure, tripping, fluctuations etc. Things have now changed slowly to favourable condition due to constant pressure from public, Industries Association and politicians. The electricity is supplied to this region through Chambal Power Station, Atomic Power Station, Kota etc. Still the supply of electricity is less than actual demand of the Industries for which efforts are being made to improve the situation.