Bhubaneswar, July 12: The state handloom and textiles department will shortly set up banks for storing raw materials for sculptors.

The state department has identified two places, one at Nahargarh in Khurda, and the other at Khiching in Mayurbhanj, for building storehouses for khondalite and granite stones, respectively.

"Traditional craftsmen in the state have been complaining about the lack of raw materials since a very long time. So we have decided to set up these banks where they would get quality stones at minimal rates. It would also check black marketing of stones," said Raja Parija, the joint secretary of state handloom and textiles department.

The department has already applied for mining lease of the sites. The mines department has already approved the lease for the Nahargarh site.

"The land belongs to the Jagannath temple trust in Puri. We have instructed our officials to obtain a no objection certificate from the temple administration at the earliest," said Parija.

The minister has also instructed the officials to hasten the process of approval for the other raw material bank site at Khiching.

After obtaining the mining lease, the state government would prepare a report and place a proposal before the Central government for a grant of Rs 2 crore for setting up the banks.

The members of the Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha took part in a month-long agitation in March demanding the easy availability of raw materials. The agitation was called off after the members met the handloom and textiles minister who assured them of settling the matter at the earliest.

"Quality stones are not easily available anymore. There is acute shortage of raw materials for other craftsmen who deal with bamboo art, wood art, and brass metal art among others. Hence, a large number of artisans are migrating to other states, where they could get work. This is hampering the tradition of craftsmen making works of art in Odisha," said Priyaranjan Kar, the secretary of Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha.

At present, there are around three lakh craftsmen in the state.

The handloom and textiles department also identified five forest land in collaboration with the Odisha Forest Development Corporation from where craftsmen can obtain products like wood and bamboo. A pattachitra bank at the cost of Rs 5 lakh will also be set up from where artisans can buy palm leaves and natural colours at lesser rates.

"Many craftsmen have to chop off trees to obtain raw materials without knowing the environmental hazards. Many have to travel to far off places to buy raw materials. So the banks would be immensely helpful for the craftsmen. In the long run, it would save the traditional crafts industry of the state," said Parija.