Urban Haat to come up in Pilikula

On the model of Dilli haat, which provide the ambience of a traditional rural haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs, Urban Haat is coming up at Pilikula. Here one can see a synthesis of crafts, food, and cultural activity.

Situated next to Science Centre at Pilikula, Urban Haat is an initiative of Ministry of Textiles of the Union Government. It will provide a permanent place for holding fair for handicrafts, food and cultural programmes. The Haat is being developed at the cost of Rs 3 crore.

The Urban Haat will provide a permanent marketing facility for the artisans and will overcome the problems from the middlemen. The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is the nodal agency for implementing the Urban Haat projects across the nation. Meanwhile, the Development Commissioners for Handlooms and Handicrafts will be the coordinators. The project is funded jointly by the Central government, implementing agency and the State government.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Pilikula Nisargadhama Society Executive Director J R Lobo said the Urban Haat will have around 60 stalls.

It will provide an opportunity for the artisans not only to exhibit and sell their handicrafts but can present live demonstrations in art and craft making. The artisans from across the country can come here and exhibit their handicrafts directly to the customers without the help of middlemen. Hence, the artisans will get money for their labour fully. “The stalls will be provided by charging nominal fee. However, the space will be provided free of cost if the exhibition is being held for a cause,” he added.

Even the region-wise exhibitions will also be held at Urban Haat, he said.  He said the Urban Haat will have food court to provide subsidised food for the artisans, dormitory which will provide lodging facility to the visiting artisans along with the exhibition hall and godowns. The work on Urban Haat is likely to be completed either in the month of December or January. The work on landscape, interiors have to be completed, he added.