KARACHI, July 18: The Sindh culture department with the support of Unesco is in the process of mapping and cataloguing traditional handicrafts of Sindh to ensure their preservation.

Sindh Culture and Toursim Secretary Mehtab Akber Rashdi on Tuesday said that efforts were also under way to identify the relevant artisans and streamline an exercise to train youth interested in learning the trait.

The secretary informed that the services of a local expert Naheed Azfar had already been hired who had initiated the work and is currently engaged in photographing, micro-filming and cataloguing thousands of the available samples.

She said that a strategy had also been made to conserve archaeology and preserve music, adding that besides focussing at protecting our architectural heritage - spots were being developed where local artisans, musicians and painters would be allowed to display their work or perform.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has agreed to the idea to have one such corner at Kothari Parade, currently undergoing a process of refurbishment.

She dispelled the impression that conditions may not be conducive to attract foreign as well as local tourists towards the natural asset available in Sindh.

Our rich heritage and natural resources can lead to promote devotional tourism, an extreme charm for foreigners particularly those pertaining to India, she said mentioning that necessary infrastructure is already available.

As for eco-tourism, she agreed that nature had bestowed the province in abundance and the communities concerned had to be involved to turn these resources attractive without disturbing the environment and habitat.

The Sindh culture department was also said to be in the process of procuring 16 seats wagons to facilitate tourists desirous to visit the sites, she added. She said the budgetary allocation for the tourism department had also been raised by 100 per cent.—APP