Pottery caught in wheels of neglect

Newindpress, 26th May, 2008

BHAWANIPATNA: Without any industry, pottery is the lifeline of hundreds of families in several villages of Kalahandi district. But bereft of any government patronage, the artisans are finding it hard to the run the once throbbing pottery units. Balisara is a back of beyond village in predominantly tribal Thuamul Rampur block.There is no industry worth the name in the block and people are mostly dependent on minor agricultural and forest produces. However, the village is known for its pottery unit where 50 artisan families are engaged. From burnt tiles to pots, peachers and beautiful terracottas, the group produces all sorts of items and sell them in the nearby weekly sandies (markets). They work in a common kiln helping each other. To boost the craft, a decade back with the assistance of Directorate of Handicrafts and Cottage Industries, a common workshed was constructed. But the workshed is now lying in a dilapidated condition. The shed was damaged and its roof uprooted in cyclone two years back. The artisans are working under a temporary common shed. Specialised training by master craftsmen were imparted for skill upgradation and the group members enrolled in the Rehabilitation of Rural Artisan Scheme. However, for last two years the scheme is not operating. Assistance from any other scheme is not forthcoming. Hari Chalan, the team leader of the 50-member group, said the artisans are struggling without any support.Other pottery units of Kalahandi are also witnessing a similar fate. Asked, GM, District Industries Centre, said it has been decided to launch special drive villages having terracotta activities in the district by supporting the artisans.