Tourists at the flower show organised at the newly-established botanical garden in Kolli Hills on Sunday. The show was organised as part of the Valvil Ori festival. —

The State Government will continue to initiate efforts for the development of people in Kolli Hills and to promote tourism activities, State Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day Valvil Ori festival and a flower show in Kolli Hills on Sunday.

The minister also inaugurated the newly-established botanical garden, Rose Garden, Children’s park, and various facilities created for the tourists.

He laid the foundation stone for various development works to be carried out in Kolli Hills at a cost of Rs. 3.60 crore.

The minister said a number of programmes were being implemented for the welfare of the tribal people in the State.

People should take advantage of these programmes to enhance their quality of life.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare S. Gandhiselvan and Deputy Speaker of State Assembly V.P. Duraisamy also spoke.

Welfare assistance to the tune of Rs. 90 lakh was distributed to beneficiaries during the function.

Collector U. Sagayam presided. Tamil Nadu Agricultural Labourers and Farmers Welfare Board Chairman K.P. Ramalingam, District Revenue Officer K. Shanthi and senior officials were present.

The district administration conducted Pookolam and flower arrangement competitions as part of the festival.

On Sunday, tourists were allowed to visit Aakasa Ganga waterfall, as well as two other waterfalls, that had been improved as part of the tourism promotional activities being undertaken.

Source: THE HINDU