Kumortuli, a centuries-old neighborhood in Kolkata, is currently the focus of a restoration project centered on its riverfront ghat. As the primary hub for the artisans who craft the intricate idols used during the annual Durga Puja festival, the area serves as both a residential workspace and a significant cultural landmark. The restoration of the ghat is considered crucial for maintaining the logistical and historical integrity of the district, which draws millions of visitors and supports the livelihoods of hundreds of traditional potters.

While the project is framed by local authorities as a necessary infrastructure upgrade to protect the heritage of the 'Potters' Lane,' the scope of the work has sparked discussion regarding the balance between modernization and the preservation of traditional working conditions. Proponents of the restoration emphasize that the crumbling riverfront infrastructure poses a risk to the artisans' ability to transport materials and finished idols. Conversely, some local observers have expressed concern that the renovation could lead to the commercialization of a space that has historically functioned as a grassroots creative community. The project remains a focal point for city planners looking to modernize Kolkata’s historic quarters without displacing the traditional craftspeople who define the city's cultural identity.