The Hindu Business Line : Weavers too hit by Godavari floods

Villagers complained of harassment by micro-finance institutions. "We've lost everything in the floods. How can we pay the instalments now?" they asked.

Hyderabad , Aug.24

The recent Godavari floods affected not only farmers but also hundreds of weavers.

Volunteers of CHIP (Centre for Handloom Information and Policy Advocacy), a Chirala-based non-governmental organisation, conducted a survey of the losses suffered by the weaver community in some mandals of East Godavari district.

In a report, Mr D. Narasimha Reddy of CHIP, quoting official figures, said nearly 2,600 looms were either destroyed or damaged partially, leaving hundreds of weavers handicapped.

CHIP volunteers estimated that 416 looms in 25 villages of four mandals were destroyed. They estimated that 20 per cent more looms (taking the total to 499) would have become useless in the floods. Another 992 looms were damaged partially. A total of 1,408 looms were affected in all.

CHIP volunteers visited K Jagannadhapuram Colony, Tottaramoodi, lower Savanapally canal area, Rajupalem, Moolapolam, Kottalanka, Kunchanapally, Gadavilli and Kappigunta.

Most of the families also lost raw material. Besides, all of them were deprived of work for 23 days (from August 7 to 30).

HARASSMENT ALLEGED

Meanwhile, villagers complained of harassment by micro-finance institutions. "We've lost everything in the floods. We are desperate to get food and drinking water. How can we pay the instalments now? It will take at least six months for us to repay," said villagers of Umamaheshwari Colony in K. Jagannadhapuram mandal.

More Stories on : Natural Calamities | Textiles | Andhra Pradesh

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page