Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 2: Locally made electric blankets are proving to be the best alternatives for traditional Kangri and these blankets are in good demand in Kashmir, say manufacturers.
They claim that the demand for these blankets increases with each passing year. “These blankets are capable of heating an entire room within a few minutes while using minimal energy,” Nasir Ahmad Bhat, who owns an electric blanket manufacturing unit ‘Dolphin Blankets’ at Rangreth Srinagar, said.
More than two dozen units are manufacturing electric blankets in Kashmir. Nasir said the demand for such blankets has been on the rise as they have been receiving orders daily.
“This concept has a USA background where these blankets were made in the last century, and slowly it reached here,” Bhat said, adding that these heating blankets are being customised based on room size.
These blankets are cost-effective and affordable, he said, adding, “As smart meters have been installed, so the demand for conventional heaters that incur higher energy costs has gone down.”
A specialised heating element consisting of around 80 percent chromium and 20 percent nickel coated with Teflon for safety is being used for its manufacturing, Nisar said.
His unit manufactures both low and high-heat blankets. Both are quite safe,” he claimed. These blankets not only provide an alternative to traditional Kangri but also to Hamams.
He said these blankets are in good demand in other States as well and are supplied even outside India.
“Our blankets are cost-effective compared to other items that keep you warm in bone-chilling cold. The cost of a single blanket starts from Rs 750, while the price for a double blanket starts from Rs 1,500,” Nisar said.
“Our sales increase from October to February; however, demand goes up every year, and currently, 12 persons are earning their livelihood at our unit,” he said, adding that his unit produces around 100 single or 50 double blankets every day.
