By A Seshacharyulu
State government has sanctioned Rs. 4.40 crore to develop Handloom Textile Park at Dandumalkapuram village of Choutuppal mandal.
In 2003 TDP government had sanctioned the textile park at an estimated cost of Rs.3.31 crore on 50 acres of land and minister Uma Madhava Reddy laid foundation stone for the park on June 29, 2003 and it was completed within one year.
Government decided to construct three kinds of units — 52 loom units, 47 handloom units and eight garments units to provide employment opportunities to 8772 handloom weavers. But till date only 20 units are functioning.
After many representations by various political parties and organisations for the development of the park, on directions of government, Andhra Pradesh Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (APTICO) team visited the park on June 15, 2012 and submitted a report. Poor construction and lack of minimum facilities were identified as reasons for units not coming up.
On the report of APTICO previous government has sanctioned Rs. 4.40 crore for the development and the present government released the amount.
District Handloom and Textile Department prepared notices to the beneficiaries who did not start their units. If the units are not started on or before March 31, 2015, their permissions will be cancelled, authorities warned.
District administration is planning to lay roads, and provide drainage, compound walls, electricity, water facilities and street lights.
Textile Park is to export Tie and Die handloom textile garments and earn foreign exchange.
To facilitate all the necessary arrangements, a special website to publicise Tie and Die designs is being planned.
Source: The New Indian Express