Traditional Shilpa Gram project takes off

Shivarapatna to be converted into an art village, Rs 1 crore released

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The plan to convert Shivarapatna in Malur taluk into a traditional sculpture village was mooted three years ago. With the release of Rs 1 crore from the Department of Industries and Commerce the process has been started. We are making all preparations” said Managing Director of State Handicrafts Development Board  Lucus Valluttarai.

He was speaking at a press meet, after a meeting called in his chamber to discuss the issue with officials.

First in country

“This is the first time in the country that a village has been made into a traditional sculpture centre. The Rs One  crore released by the Department of Industries and Commerce will be utilised to construct a sculpture complex, which will house a gallery, sales counter and information centre.”

“ We also have plans to obtain Rs one crore from the Central government and provide basic facilities for 700 sculptors. A stone centre will be established to take care of the requirements of the sculptors. The Shilpakala Gram will also have a training centre. Effective marketing will be initiated and a part of the profit will be given to the sculptors and the rest will be utilised for the development of sculptors.”
A supervisory committee has been formulated at the local level with ZP CEO as the head. The committee  will meet every month. After that in a gap of 15 days the State committee will meet. Construction of the complex will be completed by next July”, he said.

Under secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Shivalinga Swamy, retired chief secretary Chiranjeevi Singh, executive director of board Parameshwar, manager of development section Poornima, deputy commissioner N Prabhakar, zilla panchayath  CEO  G V Rangarao and other officials were present at the meeting.


Implications of the Kala Gram project

 State Handicrafts Development Corporation managing director Lucus Vallutturai said that since it is the first experiment in the country, prior permission should be obtained from the in charge committee before taking up any development civil works. This includes employment guarantee works, road construction, repairs, Suvarna Gramodaya projects also.

The land in front of the Varadaraj temple will be acquired for the construction of a complex for sculpture. If it is not possible to acquire the land it will be taken on lease basis.

All houses should be in traditional style. Old houses have to be conserved and the owners have to made aware of its importance.

If houses have to constructed for workers, Ashraya houses will have to constructed after obtaining clearence from the committee.

Home stay systemshould be evolved to accommodate future tourists from abroad.
A master plan will be prepared and a copy will be available in the office of the deputy commissioner.

Stones to the sculptors, and facilities for cutting, polishing will be provided.
Alternative power supply system should be arranged.

The first meeting of the local committee will be held on Jan 28 and the State committee will meet on Feb 12.