Srinagar, August 12 (KNS) : In a major boost to the famed craft sector of Kashmir, the Government of India has sanctioned the establishment of a Craft Tourism Village in Sonpah — the Sozni heartland en route the picturesque Doodhpathri in Budgam District — at a total cost of ?10 crore.

The sanction is accompanied by the release of the first instalment of the Central share of ?4.50 crore by the Union Ministry of Textiles under the flagship National Handicrafts Development Programme’s Infrastructure and Technology Support Scheme.

The project will be implemented by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, with funds routed through the Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India.

In a press release issued here Tuesday, a spokesman of the department thanked the Central Government for sanctioning the project and recognising Sonpah’s legacy of Sozni craft artisans. “As many as 22 craftsmen from this village of awardees have distinguished themselves by winning many UT-level and Shilp Guru Awards,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Situated along the route to the famous tourist destinations of Doodhpathri and Tossa Maidan, the Craft Tourism Village at Sonpah will provide visitors and art lovers with a firsthand experience of living crafts. “Under the project, the department shall develop aesthetic enhancements like designer gates, mural paintings, cultural and interactive zones including live craft demos; common workspaces for display-cum-sale counters, infrastructure development, community facilities and access to market and branding,” the spokesman added.

Highlighting the significance of Craft Tourism Villages for a nature destination like Kashmir, the spokesman said the works will transform Sonpah into a modern tourism hub while preserving its rich cultural and craft heritage.(KNS)