Centuries-Old Brass Business in Oyal Faces Collapse: Artisans Seek Government Aid

• Oyal, once known as 'Brass City' in Lakhimpur Kheri, faces a deep crisis in its centuries-old brass utensil business.
• Traditional brass items like 'batua', 'lota', 'katora' were once in high demand locally and across the state.
• The industry is struggling due to lack of government incentives, rising inflation, raw material unavailability, and competition from modern fiber and steel utensils.
• The sound of hammers, once echoing in every home, has fallen silent as production costs soar and demand plummets.
• Artisans and traders are appealing to the government for inclusion in the ODOP scheme, relief packages, bank loans, training, and tax relief to save their livelihoods.