Weavers clusters remain on paper in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Weavers clusters still remain on paper for the past three years in Srikakulam district. Two clusters were proposed in the district one at Ponduru and other at Narasannapeta.

The cost for setting up of each cluster is estimated at Rs 50 crore and 90 acres are required for each cluster. Main aim in setting up of these clusters is to improve lives of weavers. In each cluster, sales counters of Khadi clothes, guest house, providing material for making of khadi clothes will be arranged. These clusters would be developed as tourist spots in future to attract tourists and to explain importance of khadi.

Ponduru is famous for khadi clothes but here also proposal for cluster still remain on paper. Amudalavalasa TDP MLA K Ravi Kumar assured three years ago to establish the cluster at Ponduru but yet to finalise the suitable site even after his inspections at Pydikonda, Rapaka and Lolugu villages in Ponduru mandal. Due to disputes, the site is yet to be selected.

MLA also failed to speed up the land selection process due to resistance from the locals. At Narasannapeta also suitable site is yet to be finalised by the officials. TDP local MLA B Ramana Murthy also not insisting officials on this job. As a result, this cluster was stopped at a proposal stage.  With arrangement of clusters weavers will get good market and also get good facilities.

“Weavers clusters will help to improve market facility to khadi clothes but we are unaware on its progress”, Ponduru Khadi Sangham president and secretary GK Prasad and D Venkataramana said. “Weavers societies like us are waiting for setting up of clusters as they would improve business”, Sai Baba Weavers Society manager at Ponduru V Srinivasa Rao said.