Centre sanctions Rs 10 cr craft tourism village in Sonpah, Budgam

Budgam, Aug 12: In a significant boost to Kashmir’s renowned craft sector, the Government of India on Tuesday sanctioned a Craft Tourism Village in Sonpah, located en route the scenic Doodhpathri in Budgam district, at a total cost of Rs 10 crore.The sanction comes with the release of the first instalment of the Central share amounting to Rs 4.50 crore by the Union Ministry of Textiles under the 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, a spokesman from the department expressed gratitude to the Central Government for recognising Sonpah’s legacy of Sozni craft artisans. “As many as 22 craftsmen from this award-winning village have earned distinction by securing multiple UT-level and Shilp Guru awards,” he said.Situated en route to popular tourist spots like Doodhpathri and Tossa Maidan, the Craft Tourism Village aims to offer tourists and art enthusiasts an opportunity to experience living crafts firsthand. The project includes aesthetic enhancements such as designer gates, mural paintings, cultural and interactive zones with live craft demonstrations, common workspaces for display and sale counters, infrastructure development, community facilities, and improved market access and branding.Emphasising the importance of Craft Tourism Villages for nature destinations like Kashmir, the spokesman added that these initiatives will transform Sonpah into a modern tourism hub while preserving its rich cultural and craft heritage.