新德里街头艺术受到威胁

The famed Kathputli colony is a hub for traditional street artists who have been living there for generations. But recently the land was sold to a renowned builder to make way for luxury apartments and a shopping mall. The artists there are struggling to explain to the government the impact it will have on their art and their lives.

These tiny roads lead up to what looks like an ordinary slum, but inside is a community of artists who create magic. Kathputli – is a handmade puppet, as well as the name of this artists’ colony. It’s home to India’s street artists - puppeteers, artists, magicians, drummers, dancers. They all call this slum their home - and they’re afraid they’re about to lose it.

Kathputli colony is no ordinary slum. It is the largest settlement of street artists in the world and today it stands on the brink of extinction and this has brought the attention back on India’s rapid development at the cost of its traditions.

Tempers are running high here. These artists tell me that every day is a struggle. In April, the court refused to block the bid by a big Indian real estate company that plans to bulldoze this area and construct a mall and luxury apartments.

The dancers, puppeteers, sword swallowers, all argue that this is their home and unless they receive adequate compensation, leaving their home is not an option they can afford.

Dilip Bhatt is a puppeteer who has travelled the world and received many awards. He says they are being coerced into moving into transit camps where they won’t be able to preserve their art.

"Our art will die if we stay in multi-storied buildings. How will we make our art? Look at this stuff. If we can’t make this, our art will die." Dilip Bhatt said.

Kathputli colony has many social issues. Water here is undrinkable and the electricity supply erratic, but residents say the slum can be improved.

Bilu Ram Bhatt’s family has been living here for generations. Bilu was born here and today he performs as a puppeteer. He also teaches these young children the art of puppetry. He says when they first settled here, this land was barren and they’re the ones who made this area what it is today.

"The government should have consulted us. If we are not happy, why can’t they just leave us in our circumstances. If they really care about our development, they could have helped us make better row houses." Bilu Ram Bhatt said.

Slum clearances isn’t new, but the Kathputli colony redevelopment was supposed to be more sensitive to the people being displaced—and was expected to set an example. Some of the land was supposed to be set aside for the street artists, but these artists were asked to move into transit camps.

Five years later, only a few families have moved to the transit camp. The biggest problem between the government and artists remains trust.

"This art is our life and I beg the government not to snatch our life. But they don’t pay heed to anything we say." Dilip Bhatt, President of Kathputli Colony said.

In the last few weeks, the eviction process has gotten aggressive with many homes being demolished, but that has only strengthened people’s resolve. The artists say for them, home is where the art is.