Govt initiative to revive Balagarh as boat craft hub gives hopes to artisans

The state government has taken the initiative to revive the endangered traditional boat craft industry at Balagarh in Hooghly district.

At the behest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, efforts are underway to rejuvenate the centuries-old cottage industry. A significant meeting was recently held at Shilpa Sadan, Kolkata, with artisans engaged in Balagarh’s traditional boat-making craft.

Advertisement

Among those present were the General Manager of the Small-Scale and Cottage Industries Department, Hooghly district, Sumanath Gangopadhyay, other state government officials from the department, and Partha Chatterjee, regional history researcher and chief patron of the boat cooperative society.

Mr Chatterjee said discussions focused extensively on strategies to revive the nearly defunct folk industry. The artisans’ experiences, the challenges they face on the ground, and possible avenues for development were carefully heard and considered.

It was announced at the meeting that a decision had been taken to provide financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the cooperative society for the purchase of boat-making equipment. Discussions were also held on introducing modern wood-cutting machinery in the near future, establishing a dedicated ‘Boat Hub’ at Balagarh, and allotting a stall for Balagarh boat artisans at a Biswa Bangla marketing outlet.

Even before securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the government’s initiative has instilled renewed hope among the artisans. After years of stagnation, there are signs of revival in Balagarh’s boat craft sector. Stakeholders believe the move could help restore not only a fading traditional craft but also the heritage and livelihoods of generations associated with it.

Balagarh, situated about 115 km north of Kolkata on the banks of the Hooghly river, has long been regarded as the heart of Bengal’s indigenous boat-making tradition. The hub of activity is centred around Sripur market, where workshops continue to uphold a craft that is at least 500 years old. The boat makers of Sripur were even mentioned in the writings of Abul Fazal (1551–1602).

Balagarh, particularly villages such as Sripur, flourished as a major boat-building centre due to its proximity to rivers including the Hooghly, Saraswati, Behula and Kana, when water transport was essential for the movement of people and goods.

However, since the late 20th century, the industry has witnessed a sharp decline owing to competition from mechanised boats, trawlers and steel-hulled vessels, which are faster and require less labour. Low income, strenuous work and limited prospects have driven younger generations away from the craft, resulting in fewer workshops and families continuing the tradition.