JK Cement Works, in Bagalkot in Karnataka, has stopped production due to the damage caused by the roof of the clinker silo suddenly caving in, the company told the exchanges yesterday.

To ensure safety and avoid collateral damage, the company has temporarily stopped clinker extraction and cement production at the unit, it said.

Cement available in depots will serve the market for the time being and an alternative arrangement for operation of kiln has been initiated, which is expected to normalise clinker and cement production from the unit within 15 days, JK Cement said.

"However, restoration of clinker silo is expected to take six months' time," it added.