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Shilparamam project in Warangal set in motion
It appears that finally, the state government wakes up from hibernation to revive the almost forgotten Shilparamam project, an arts and crafts village, in Warangal that has been pending for over seven years. Shilparamam is one among a few projects initiated by the Congress regime for the development of Warangal and never got off the ground.
Warangal: It appears that finally, the state government wakes up from hibernation to revive the almost forgotten Shilparamam project, an arts and crafts village, in Warangal that has been pending for over seven years. Shilparamam is one among a few projects initiated by the Congress regime for the development of Warangal and never got off the ground.
Way back in 2008, the then Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy announced setting up of crafts villages in Warangal, Sangareddy, Kadapa, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Anantapur on the lines of the far-famed Shilparamam in Hyderabad.
Since then the administration has been struggling to get on with the project. The authorities first mooted to set up the craft village at Gopalapur in the city. But soon they cancelled it as the land identified was entangled in encroachments. Then came the proposal of a site near Warangal Fort (Qila). But this too was discarded considering the roadblocks to get clearances from the Archaeological Survey of India.
The authorities also considered a five-acre site at Balasamudram in the city. But the idea was dropped as officials thought that it was too congested. Then a site at Hasanparthy, 8 km from Hanamkonda, too came under the scanner. But none of them was materialized and the Rs 5 crore sanctioned for the facility in 2009 still remain unused.
Speaking to The Hans India, the Warangal District Tourism Officer M Shivaji said: “Former IAS officer and in-charge of Yadadri temple development G Kishan Rao, Art Director (movies) Anand Sai, along with others inspected a site adjacent to Bestam cheruvu (tank) near Mamnoor village, recently. Of the total 60 acres, designated for Smriti Vanam project, the District Collector Vakati Karuna has agreed to allot 15 acres.”
Although the authorities concerned are verifying other options, the Bestam cheruvu land appears to be favourite for setting up of Shilparamam as the site is away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The site is located on the State Highway-240 (Warangal-Khammam road) and is about 8 km from the city.
According to official sources, the arts and crafts village would reflect the culture and tradition of Kakatiya dynasty. To improve the aesthetics of the facility, the authorities are also planning to install the some of the sculptures of Kakatiya times.
Although the earlier Rs 12-crore plan has plans to set up 40 permanent stalls to showcase handicrafts, an open-air theatre and a conference hall, it may vary in accordance with the availability of land, it’s learnt.
