Lucknow to get Rs 207 crore ‘Shilp Graam’

Lucknow, Aug 11 (IANS) In a bid to encourage artisans in the state and lay emphasis on their social and economic development, the Uttar Pradesh government has embarked on a project to construct a Shilp Graam for Rs 207 crore, an official said on Thursday.

The state housing and development board will be developing the Shilp Graam — an artisans’ village — which will be spread across 20 acres in sector-1 of Awadh Vihar Yojana. The Shilp Graam would also be known as the Lucknow Haat.

"The main purpose of establishing the Shilp Graam is to infuse a new lease of life among the artists involved in some of the dying arts and crafts of the state. Once the new Lucknow Haat is built, it would pave the way for development of art, craft and handicrafts," an official informed IANS.

The establishment of the Shilp Graam would result in expansion of art, sale of handicrafts and boost production. It would also ensure training of budding craftsmen. Provisions would also be made for sale of handicrafts at a designated place while separate spots have been identified for exporters, entrepreneurs and tourists, he added.

Apart from this, an auditorium, amphitheatre, a food court, exhibition hall, dormitory and entertainment facilities for the artisans would also be developed. Awadh Shilp Graam would have nine food courts, two restaurants, 150 craft shops and open court platform, 54 AC craft shops, and five air conditioned (AC) anchor shops for manufacturing.

A 44-bed dormitory for women, 102-bed dormitory for men, an auditorium with a capacity of 500, 2 large AC halls, 1 vigilance room and 1 ticketing room will be constructed. A separate area earmarked as the children’s zone is also being developed. Adequate provision for greenery has been ensured in the proposed Awadh Shilp Graam.