For over a century the narrow alleys of Dharavi have resonated with myriad sounds and sights of artisans moulding pots out of clay, creating chic bags out of leather and weaving designs into the garments.

Home to vibrant enterprises, the unorganised handicrafts industry in continent’s biggest slum has finally received its seal of official recognition. The ministry of textiles has started the process of issuing thousands of identification cards to the potters in Kumbharwada in Dharavi. The 1,200 families have kept the skill flourishing since the time their forefathers from Saurashtra first made the 12.5-acre land here their home. Next in line would be those employed in the leather manufacturing and embroidery units.

“We are in the process of identifying various artisans in Dharavi; already we have issued identity cards to 500-odd potters. It has been found that the new generation of craftsmen is drawn towards conventional jobs, as they find it difficult to sustain themselves with the traditional occupation alone. We want to provide an all-round support to such families to ensure that the art doesn’t wither away,’’ said BM Dattatreya, senior assistant director with Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union ministry of textiles.

These cards would entitle the artisans for any kind of assistance in marketing their wares, financing special projects, procuring better tools and training. It will also provide them with social security by way of health and life insurance schemes. The artisans who rarely had a chance to interact with anyone, except for the middlemen to whom the products are sold in bulk at throwaway prices, will now get a chance to directly sell their wares at government-organised exhibitions or in emporiums.

For some like 72-year-old Premji Jethwa, the ID card is almost a fresh lease of life. Everyday at the crack of dawn his son joins his wife and daughter-in-law in making pots and diyas before leaving for his job at a store at nine.

“Pottery alone doesn’t earn us enough for running the family. Also, I am no longer capable of making pots. But now at least I can rest being assured in case of any ailment. This card has also given me an authority to continue my trade simply by sharing my expertise,’’ said Jethwa, whose now shriveled hands have molded pots for the last 60 years. As part of the training component, the senior-most experienced craftsmen in Dharavi will be chosen to provide training to others.

Dattatreya adds that those wanting to export their goods will be directed through the right channels. Today, exports account for less than 3% of the annual Rs 6 crore turnover in Kumbharwada. ``Right now we do not have any laboratory from where we can get our raw materials and finished goods tested for quality. Also, we would like to switch to non-polluting kilns that make use of gas or electricity,’’ said another potter Lalji Govindwala.

Amidst all the optimism, a cloud of uncertainty brought in by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project still hangs over the clusters of these handicrafts industries.

“Tomorrow despite all our resistance we might be uprooted from our present homes which double up as our workplace. However, no matter what, we have to our craft alive,’’ said Govind Chitrodia of Prajapatri Sahakari Utpadhak Mandal, an organization of 1000-odd potters.