The Hindu 05.01.2010

‘Urban Haat’ to come up in Mamallapuram

N. Anand

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (TNHDC) has moved a step forward in setting up its first ‘Urban Haat’ in Mamallapuram, with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation officials agreeing to part with a portion of their land.

As per the agreement, TTDC will lease out 4.45 acres of land in its Beach Resort Complex for this purpose. Apart from the lease amount, TNHDC has decided to share the profits with TTDC. The civil works are expected to commence by the month end and it would be completed within a year.

Talking to The Hindu, a TNHDC official said that ‘Urban Haat’ was designed on the ‘Dilli Haat’ model. It would enable artisans from different parts of the country to display and sell their handicraft and handloom wares in Mamallapuram for 10-15 days. It would cost over Rs.2 crore to set up the ‘Urban Haat.’ The State government has already contributed Rs.60 lakh in two instalments, while the Development Commissioners of Handicrafts and Handlooms have chipped in some portion of the remaining sum.

The ‘Urban Haat’ will be located adjacent to the petrol bunk. It will have nearly 50 retail outlets, a food court, a convention centre and car park.

“We are not going to disturb the natural ambience for setting up retail outlets. Since the offered area is huge, it would be wide spread and it will also have a tourist angle to it. Poompuhar will also have a small presence. To encourage artisans to take up the outlets, we will provide them accommodation. Instead of rent, we will let out the premises on profit sharing basis,” the official said.

Meanwhile, TNHDC has entrusted construction work, worth Rs.2 crore, of ‘Urban Haat’ at Kanyakumari. About 1.80 acres of land has been identified and the tendering process is over. The work will commence soon, the official said.