Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 22

The government approved the construction of two “unity malls” in Srinagar and Jammu at a combined estimated cost of Rs 255 crore, in an effort to promote local handicrafts, handlooms, geographical indication-tagged products, and other regional specialties.

The projects are intended to provide artisans, craft producers and entrepreneurs with dedicated spaces to showcase their products and improve access to domestic and international markets.

The Srinagar Unity Mall will be developed at Kashmir Haat at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore and is expected to be completed within 18 months, according to the Office of the Chief Minister.

The proposed facility will be a basement-plus-ground-plus-four-storey structure featuring showrooms representing all states and union territories as well as all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

It will showcase products identified under the One District One Product and District Export Hub programmes, alongside traditional crafts and other regional specialties.

A key component will be a trade facilitation centre and export hub aimed at helping artisans and local producers connect with wider markets.

The project will also include an auditorium-cum-convention centre for exhibitions, conferences, conventions and trade events.

Plans include an amphitheatre, retail commercial spaces, food courts, a cultural centre, an art gallery and dormitory facilities.

The government is positioning the Srinagar project as a combination of commercial, cultural, tourism and trade infrastructure rather than simply a conventional shopping complex.

Officials expect the facility to give greater visibility to Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional crafts and provide artisans with more organised avenues to reach consumers, tourists, traders and buyers.

The focus on GI-tagged products and ODOP and DEH initiatives is also expected to support branding, value addition and export opportunities.

The proposed Jammu unity mall will form the second part of the Rs 255-crore initiative and is expected to provide a similar platform for local and regional products.

Together, the two facilities are intended to support the government’s “Vocal for Local” initiative and strengthen the marketing ecosystem for Jammu and Kashmir’s handicrafts, handlooms and indigenous products.

The Srinagar project, through the redevelopment and expansion of Kashmir Haat, is also expected to add a new commercial and cultural destination to the city, bringing together crafts, tourism, trade and cultural activities under one roof.