Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

Check degradation of Nilgiris: Jayalalithaa

By Our Staff Reporter

Udhagamandalam Sept. 13. The Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, today gave a call to check further degradation of the natural wealth of the Nilgiris. A myopic outlook and an attitude taking nature for granted resulted in the degradation, she said.

Ms. Jayalalithaa was speaking at a function organised to launch several projects, lay the foundation stone for others and distribute welfare assistance to 4,600 beneficiaries at a total cost of Rs. 77.50 crores.

Pointing out that about 80 varieties of plant species, endemic to the Nilgiris, were not found anywhere else in the world, Ms. Jayalalithaa said, "It is our duty to protect them".

Referring to difficulties faced by small tea growers here on account of a steep fall in the prices of their produce, she said steps were being taken to mitigate their sufferings. "However, one should not expect an overnight solution to all problems."

She launched the world's first electronic tea auction system, costing Rs. 1 crore, through TEASERVE, a producers' cooperative society. In the management of the system, small growers would be given a prominent role and "brokers will be eliminated". It would also prevent producers from falling into a debt trap. To help TEASERVE gain a firm footing, the Government would extend sales tax concessions. Advising the planting community not to be dependent on tea, she said to encourage inter-cropping with spices and other suitable plants, subsidies would be extended. Pointing out that she was setting in motion the agri-export zone, Ms. Jayalalithaa said it would boost horticulture here. While at present flowers were being cultivated under polygreen conditions on 30 acres, it was proposed to bring another 50 acres under floriculture over the next five years.

Adverting to the long-time demand of the Badaga community for reinclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list, the Chief Minister said, following a representation made to her recently by the Nilgiris `Nakkubetta' Badaga Welfare Association, she took up the matter with the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Announcing that she was sanctioning a government arts and science college for Gudalur (the Tourism Minister, A.Miller's constituency), the Chief Minister said Rs. 50 lakhs would be set apart for initial expenditure.

"As long as I enjoy the love and affection of the people, no harm can befall me from any evil force," said Ms.Jayalalithaa, interspersing her speech with fables to highlight the futility of her opponents' attempts at denigrate her.

The Speaker, K.Kalimuthu, the Social Welfare Minister, P.Valarmathi, and Mr. Miller spoke.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Check degradation of Nilgiris: Jayalalithaa
• Vajpayee invites BJP leaders to Delhi for talks
• New Commissioner for Archaeology
• Chidambaram re-elected
• Supplementary exam hall tickets distribution from tomorrow

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu