Kashmir,August 31, 2025- Deputy Commissioner of Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, visited the Kanihama Craft Village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district. The visit focused on reviewing ongoing developmental works, interacting with local artisans, and emphasizing the preservation of Kashmir’s traditional handicraft heritage, particularly the renowned Kani shawl weaving. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to transform Kanihama into a model craft tourism hub, boosting local economy, culture, and tourism.
Background on Kanihama Craft Village
Kanihama, located along the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway in Budgam district, has been a historic center for handicrafts since ancient times, with roots tracing back over 3,000 years. The village is particularly famous for Kani shawls—intricate, handwoven pashmina garments using wooden spools (called “kani” in Kashmiri) to create detailed patterns of paisleys, flowers, and motifs. These shawls, once favored by Mughal emperors and British royalty, are a symbol of Kashmiri craftsmanship and hold Geographical Indication (GI) status. The name “Kanihama” itself derives from this craft.
- Historical Recognition: In 2020, the Government of India declared Kanihama a “Handloom Tourism Village” under the Ministry of Textiles to promote artisan livelihoods and eliminate middlemen. This included plans for infrastructure like work sheds, roads, signage, cafeterias, and eco-friendly transport. Over 500 artisans in the village and surrounding areas specialize in Kani shawls, pottery, embroidery, and crewel work.
- Recent Challenges and Progress: Earlier reports from February 2025 highlighted delays in promised developments, with artisans expressing frustration over unfulfilled infrastructure and market access. However, the DC’s visit signals renewed momentum, building on prior investments like Rs. 5 crore for facilities and recent provisions of 250 handlooms and subsidies.
The village’s strategic location attracts tourists en route to Gulmarg, fostering direct sales and demonstrations. Artisans have revived classic designs, reducing production time from months to days using modern techniques while preserving traditions. National awards, such as one received by artisan Fareed Ahmad Ganie in 2024, underscore its excellence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also promoted Kani shawls in his “Mann Ki Baat” addresses, enhancing global visibility.
Details of the DC’s Visit
During the visit, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat was briefed on completed and ongoing projects funded under various schemes, totalling over Rs. 3 crore. Key highlights include:
- Completed Infrastructure:
- Installation of advertising boards for shops.
- Improvement of the public park near Jamia Masjid Kanihama, including steel grill fencing and drainage paths.
- Upgradation of inner link roads (e.g., Hajam Mohalla and New Colony Road).
- Construction of a Chowkidar quarter and dedicated weavers’ sheds.
- Face-lifting of the Common Facility Centre (CFC) building and overall site beautification.
- Ongoing and Future Directives:
- Installation of street lights for enhanced safety and evening accessibility.
- Formation of a District Level Management Committee to oversee operations, artisan coordination, and maintenance.
- Launch of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, including community events, exhibitions, and awareness drives to promote the village across Jammu & Kashmir (UT) and beyond.
- Amplification of a documentary showcasing artisan life, Kani shawl production, pottery, and the village’s transformation— to be shared on social media (including X), tourism fairs, and digital platforms for national and global outreach.
The DC emphasized that Kanihama is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a mission to protect heritage, empower artisans with sustainable livelihoods, and brand Kashmiri crafts internationally. He urged active community participation and assured administrative support, including welfare schemes for health issues faced by artisans due to prolonged work hours.
Interactions with Artisans and Welfare Focus
Dr. Bhat held detailed discussions with artisans and officials from departments like Handicrafts and Handloom. He stressed extending maximum benefits from promotional schemes to safeguard traditional skills and revive the craft economy. Key points raised:
- Awareness and access to health services for artisans.
- Enhanced market linkages to bypass middlemen, enabling direct sales to tourists and exporters.
- Training in innovative designs and subsidies (e.g., loans up to Rs. 2 lakh with 7% subsidy under government programs).
- Potential for 410+ jobs through related micro-enterprises, as seen in recent approvals under JK-REGP/PMEGP schemes in Budgam.
Artisans expressed gratitude for the support but called for more exhibitions and facilities to boost income, with shawls priced from Rs. 18,000 to over Rs. 5 lakh depending on complexity (taking 6 months to 2 years to weave).
Broader Impact and Future Outlook
This visit follows Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s review of Budgam’s development works on August 23, 2025, which assured economic upliftment through tourism, agriculture, and employment schemes. Kanihama’s evolution could position Budgam as a craft excellence center, generating revenue (e.g., Rs. 10 crore+ from shawls in 2023) and attracting global buyers. With ongoing projects like a common facilitation center, library, and display area, the village is poised to blend tradition with tourism, creating a sustainable model for other Kashmiri crafts.
