M Raghuram/The Hindu

• The artisan centre is expecting a business of Rs 25 lac

Mangalore, Jun 20: Clay deposits in Dakshina Kannada are fast depleting. As a result, the tile industry is showing a recession, which appears to get worse year after year. But clay still holds sway with the local people as they cherish the old charm of tiled roof.

Though there is not enough clay to produce tiles in large numbers, the romance with red clay has taken the shape of table-top curios and showcase items at the dexterous hands of local artisans. They are so alluring that every house in Mangalore has a couple of such items.

Till recently, these artisans had no market place of their own and they had to go in search of buyers. Thanks to Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Society (PNDS) at Moodushedde village in Mangalore taluk, they have found a market place which is fast becoming popular. The society has set up a showroom for local artisans as well as a marketing network not just for potters, but also for a host of craftsmen from tribal communities.

Executive Director of the society J R Lobo told The Hindu that the artisan village and market was an integral part of Nisarga Dhama. Potters, blacksmiths, carpenters, artisans, and cottage industries supplied their products here an d the society helped in marketing them.

According to sources, a large number of tourists visit Nisarga Dhama. The society had reported that the traditional artisan centre had done a business of Rs. 10 lakh last year. This year, the centre was expecting a business of Rs. 25 lakh. Lobo said the centre was part of the heritage village and the society intended to expand its activity to training the local youth in producing traditional artefacts. Dakshina Kannada in-charge secretary Bharatlal Meena (who conceptualised Pilikula Nisarga Dhama when he was the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada) said the scope for developing the centre was vast. The Government would introduce the components that were planned when the concept of Nisarga Dhama was evolved.