Artisans of drought prone Kutch have every reason to be happy. An exclusive crafts park, the Khamir, will be operational by July this year in Kukma village near Bhuj.
The rich craft of Kutch, which embraces weaving, dyeing, printing, bandhani (tie and dye), embroidery, leather work, pottery, woodwork, and metalwork, will be revived in this craft park.
Khamir will include cluster of four Crafts Resource Centres, six workshops, residential units, design studios and business incubator.
State Government's Cottage Industry Department, NGOs like Nehru Foundation for Development and Kutch Abhiyan are taking interest for development of this project.
The park will create opportunities of continuous income for Kutch artisans. It will also provide raw materials, conduct design-development workshops, and have facilities for new techniques and materials to assist craftsmen.
Training facilities to improve craft, which can capture the urban market will be provided here.
Wastes of ceramic factories, earth blocks and bamboo have been used extensively as building material for the park.