The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Loans announced for eco-friendly Ganeshas

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 13, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Loans announced for eco-friendly Ganeshas

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: At last chemical-free Ganesh idols are getting ready to hit the market. In an announcement made on Wednesday in this regard, Hyderabad District Collector R.V.Chandravadan said that for the first time, loans to the extent of Rs. 35,000 to Rs.50,000 each will be disbursed to the manufacturers of Eco-friendly idols by the month end. Of the loan, Rs.5000 will be subsidy component. The announcement came in the backdrop of the High Court’s directions to protect Hussain Sagar from environmental pollution.

“47 manufacturers from Mangalhat, Jali Hanuman and Dhoolpet areas have been identified for the disbursement of loans, in a joint identification camp of bankers and manufacturers held in May,” said Mr.Chandravadan and added that majority of the beneficiaries were women.

Prior to this, about 150 manufacturers in these areas were identified and given a demonstration in making eco-friendly Ganeshas. Of them, 50 volunteered for the training offered by the A.P. Pollution Control Board officials .

Problems

One problem encountered was the non-availability of vegetable dyes in the commercial market. It had been addressed to some extent by organising training in the production of vegetable dyes through professionals from Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural University, he said. He expressed hope that the measure would result in increased consumer awareness and use of eco-friendly idols.

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