The copper industry in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur District is witnessing a dark phase as dearth of craftsmen in the region has resulted in drastic fall in business.

The region, which was famous for the production of copper products, wears a deserted look as the craftsmen have migrated to bigger towns and cities for better opportunities. The residents have complained that lack of initiative by the government to improve their situation has led to the migration of craftsmen to other places.

Mr Chandradher a trader said that "We want a change here, but the government is not doing anything. This has created severe problems for residents to earn their livelihood. This business has about 12 to 13 members of a family working together and it is difficult for them to sustain in smaller cities so they are migrating to big cities for better opportunities."

More than 2,000 families have been engaged in this business for several decades. He craftsmen lamented that they could not sustain themselves in the region and had to move.

Mr Amar Nath Singh a craftsman said that "About 20 years ago, vessels would be produced here. They are made even today but there is a dearth of craftsmen here. If there is no profit, then everyone has to go to other cities for better opportunities. There is no work here, so we can't even deliver the goods in the nearby areas very often. The government is also not helping us."

(Sourced from www.newstrackindia.com)