Kolkata, Sept. 10 -- From foreign tourists to city photographers, disappointment is creeping into Kumartuli's artistic lanes as new curbs on photography and videography come into force.
Charging visitors for photography is not new in Kumartuli. But this year, two idol-makers' associations - Kumartuli Mritsilpa Samity and Kumartuli Sanskrity Mritsilpa Samity - have jointly introduced a "photo permission card". Photographers and reel-makers without the card are not being allowed into the premises.
Local youths have been volunteering to enforce the system, waiting at entry points and rushing towards the visitors carrying cameras. The charges are Rs 100 for mobile photography, Rs 200 for mobile video, Rs 200 for camera photography and Rs 300 for camera video shoots. Some volunteers have also reportedly been involved in altercations with those refusing to pay.
The associations said the money collected will be used for free medical camps and other welfare facilities for artisans and workers associated with idol-making. Sujit Paul, an accountant of one of the associations, said the camps are held throughout the year, while a 24x7 medical camp will operate during the week before Durga Puja, when idol bearers are more vulnerable to injuries.
A volunteer said around Rs 7,000-8,000 is collected on weekends and Rs 3,000-4,000 on weekdays. For some, however, the charge is a deterrent. "Being a student, it is hard for us to pay for a few photographs as we are not professionals," said college student and photographer Samantak Roy.
German tourist Catherine Kurtz, fascinated by Kumartuli's lanes and idols, said she had no problem paying the charge.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.