Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 14: The art of stone carving is on decline with stone carvers or Sang Taraash like 55-year-old Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir of zewan Sempora finding it difficult to sustain their daily livelihood.
Mir said that he is very much worried to see the art of stone carving on decline as the demand of the products is decreasing with each passing day.
“I learnt the art in childhood and used to earn our livelihood very well. But with the introduction of modern techniques, the demand has declined,” he said.
Mir said that currently none is ready to learn the art due to social stigma and also youngsters lack patience need for the craft.
He said that material from other states is being used in construction of Hammam and it is cheaper compared to traditional Devri stone.
“We suffered huge damages in 2014 floods as our whole material was washed away but no compensation was given. We are facing problems in getting stones,” he said.
Despite working from morning to evening, a stone carver is able to earn a few hundred rupees making life difficult for them.
The government has failed in taking steps for promotion of this dying art, he said
“Even the government has asked us to vacate the place from which we are working as the land belongs to state. The move will hit 100 families,” he said.
