Udhagamandalam: A tea testing lab will be set up in the Nilgiris and at least five Indco (Industrial cooperative) tea factories in the district will be upgraded with new machineries at the cost of Rs 17.68 crore, said chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy who was here on Friday. He also hinted at availability of air-ambulance for emergency cases in the hills.
After inaugurating 67 completed government projects at the cost of Rs 189.35 crore and laying foundation for as many as 123 newly proposed government projects for Rs 131.57crore, Palanisamy held Covid-19 review meeting with the district administration at Tamizhagam, government guest house in Ooty. The CM introduced six new varieties of teas produced by the Indco tea factories and launched five mobile Indcoserve tea vans.
Indco factories of Kaikatty, Kundha, Manjoor, Pandalur and Salisbury will be upgraded by replacing the old machineries at the cost of Rs 17.68 crore by borrowing from NABARD. He also announced a tea testing lab in the Nilgiris after the representatives of the industry made a plea to him. Palanisamy also interacted with representatives of farmers’ producers groups, women self-help groups and members of the tea industry in the Nilgiris in a separate session while distributing welfare measures to beneficiaries.
Addressing the press, Palanisamy said, “With all possible efforts by the government, the spread of Covid-19 cases has been brought under control in the state”. Pointing out that the daily Covid tests conducted in the state is around 70,000, he said, “Only around 2500 test positive in a day which is a great improvement.” When asked about the ‘Vel’ procession by BJP, Palanisamy said, “Law will take its own course”. Palanisamy who came to Ooty via Mettupalayam-Kotagiri-Ooty road was greeted by party people at least at six places along the way.