Over Rs 5 cr needed to revive Chendamangalam handloom sector

: Kerala government has estimated that an amount of Rs 5.13 crore was required for rejuvenating the handloom sector in Chendamangalam in Ernakulam district, which suffered extensive damage in the recent floods.

This was stated at a review meeting convened Wednesday by Industries Minister E P Jayarajan to take stock of the situation and steps to revive the sector.

Around 53 looms in the area were destroyed completely in the floods and it was estimated that at least Rs 50,000 was required to repair a single loom, a government press release said.

About 200 looms were destroyed partially and Rs 10,000 would be needed to repair them.

Besides, an amount of Rs 25.5 lakh was required to repair 255 looms that were damaged in the flood fury.

Cochin Shipyard, PetronetLNG and Hantex will participate in the rehabilitation of the weavers of Chendamangalam.

Hantex will supply necessary raw materials to weavers for the next months and will also buy their products, the release said.

There were demands for the government to intervene to reschedule the repayment of bank loans taken by the weavers.

MLAs S Sarma, V D Sateesan, Cochin Shipyard's Chief General Manager, M D Varghese, Petronet LNG Senior Vice President, T N Neelakantan, were among those who participated in the meeting.