The textiles industry community in Kannur, known as the ‘land of looms and lores,' has renewed efforts to get the long-pending proposal for establishing a Handloom Village in the district implemented without further delay.

The village is to be developed in Azhikode and the project report for the purpose was prepared around four years ago and submitted to the State Government. But there has been no follow-up action on the proposal and, according to representatives of the textiles industry, the project report will now be re-submitted to the Government for approval and initiating steps for implementation.

Tourist destination

The proposal envisages developing the whole of Azhikode village into a handloom-based tourist destination, which will be run by the local people. This will enable the villagers display their rich heritage and also ensure an additional source of revenue .

According to the project report, a defined pathway will be laid through four streets in the village that feature heritage houses on either side. Tourists can visit the houses and get a feel of the rich cultural history of the area. An orientation centre in the village will function as a museum and also house a souvenir shop that will mainly showcase handloom articles manufactured in the village.

To be run by society

The village will be run by a society of the local people. The proceeds from the entry fee to the orientation centre and the sale of the articles from the souvenir shop will go to the society. The local people will be trained to act as guides. The industry spokesmen said the project had been conceived as being eco-friendly and adhering to local traditions and materials. There is also provision for extending assistance to some of the handloom units and renovating the houses in the village.

They said the Handloom Village could be used as a flagship project for developing other community and village-based tourist destinations in the region.

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