Leather Park at Vennelavalasa cries for attention

Srikakulam: Leather Park at Vennelavalasa was crying for attention in the district. The then TDP government in November 2003 established the Leather Park at Vennelavalasa in Sarubujjili mandal in Amudalavalasa Assembly segment.

The then ministers Bojjala Gopala Krishna Reddy and Tammineni Sitaram inaugurated the park. The park was established in 10 acres under the supervision of Leather Industry Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (LIDCAP) and District Industrial Centre (DIC). Subsequently, production was started here with some units.

The aim of the government in establishing the park was to generate employment to local youth. Development of leather goods, training and employment to local youth were the prime functions at the park. Initially, officials of District Industrial Centre (DIC) identified workers in Sarubujjili,  Amudalavalasa, Burja and Palakonda mandals. All the workers were sent to Sholapur for training in preparation of leather goods. Machinery also provided by spending a huge amount. 

But later it was neglected by the government and machinery was damaged, admitted DIC official on condition of anonymity. Buildings are under occupation of private persons and most of the material was damaged. From 2004 to 2014,  the Congress government, too,  neglected the park.

Even after coming to power in 2014, the TDP leaders fail to revive the park. “We noticed sad state of Leather Park at Vennelavalasa and will hold a meeting with officials concerned in the presence of District Collector for its revival”, LIDCAP director Savalapurapu Venkataramana Madiga told The Hans India