Expected to be completed within 20 months, the Rs 28-crore project is supposed to completely overhaul the artisan para or clay modelers’ colony — situated between ward 8 and 9 in north Kolkata.

Mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, MP Sudhansu Sil and state Urban Development Minister Asok Bhattacharya were also present on the occasion.

“The project has been on the anvil for a very long time and was even considered when I used to hold the post that Asok Bhattacharya is holding at present,” said Bhattacharjee. “However, due to lack of funds it could not be started. But now we have sufficient funds. While a part of the project shall be borne by the Centre under its JNNURM scheme, the remaining will be borne by the state government,” he added.

The first priority, Bhattacharjee stressed, was finding an alternative location to shift the artisans while the project is in progress.

The government has shortlisted two locations — godowns belonging to the Public Health Engineering department and the Department of Health.

The project will rehabilitate nearly 524 families in the area. Apart from providing proper houses and studios for the artisans, there will also be a complete overhaul of the area to give way to better sanitation, drinking water facilities, garbage disposal area, well-lit roads, a community hall and a health care centre. A park for children and a museum is also on the cards.

After the project gets executed, the artisans are hopeful that their annual turnover will increase to Rs 15 to 16 crore. At present, it is nearly Rs 8 to 9 crore.

Mintu Pal, a member of Kumartuli Mritshilpo Sanskritik Samiti, said: “We know there will be difficulties but we are ready to bear them as the project will benefit us.”