Newer patterns to be woven into old Chanderi town

Years old weavers’ town Chanderi is likely to get a facelift after a recent decision of the state government to contribute 4.19 hectares of land to it.

The plan also involves tourism promotion of Chanderi, which sports only one government-owned hotel with average occupancy rate of 30-35 per cent annually.

Under a central government sponsored scheme, namely Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (IIUS), Chanderi will soon get a linkage to international market, weavers’ work station, marketing and promotion centre, internal roads and raw material bank.

“It is a scheme not only to provide marketing link to Chanderi but also to promote tourism so that international buyers can come closer to this historic town,” said Mahesh Gulati, managing director of IIUS scheme, “We have roped in IL&FS as consultant and they have roped in some architect who can give an identical look to all the 50-60 weavers’ houses of the lane that stretches from ‘Pakhan Darwaja’ (Pashan or stone gate) to ‘Khooni Darwaja’ known for the the 16th century gory battle of between invader Babur and local Hindu king Medini Rai.

Chanderi is known for its hand-woven silk saris with unique designs and patterns. As many as 4,000 weavers’ families still survive on their traditional weaving skills.

“We have refloated tenders for inviting interests from private players for construction of weavers work station, marketing promotion and display centre and other construction work as none evinced interest in the earlier tender,” he said and added, “we also have plans to change elevation of most of the weavers’ houses in Chanderi.”

However, the state government will have to contribute more to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV). “Weavers are unlikely to pick 15 per cent in the SPVs, the state is likely to fund more for the project,” said SK Shakyawar, a local government official in the rural industries department Chanderi. The central government has sanctioned Rs 2,030. 5 lakh, the weavers will have to contribute Rs 417 .1 lakh and the state government will have to chip in Rs 332 lakh in the scheme.

On the other hand, weavers say no project can uplift them until Chanderi is marketed properly. “How can we expect a handsome profit when we live in a remote area? We have to make our own efforts to sell Chanderi saris,” says Ramesh Koli, who inherits the skill of weaving silk saris from his forefathers.

The town requires more than marketing, the district hospital, roads and educational facilities are yet a distant dream for many weavers, as a result children often skip schools to help their families. Gulati, however, is confident, “After 16 to 18 months, Chanderi will be a handloom hub and will have Delhi Haat-like marketing facility.”