1 year ago
West Bengal Women Create Eco-Friendly Rakhis from Water Hyacinth
In West Bengal, women are creating eco-friendly rakhis from water hyacinth, a plant found in local water bodies.
This project is helping them earn money and is also good for the environment.
They are replacing plastic rakhis with natural alternatives.
Local officials and community leaders are backing this effort, which is helping the women become financially independent and also promotes awareness about sustainability.
Women in Haripur gram panchayat are making eco-friendly rakhis and bags from water hyacinth.
The rakhis are made from water hyacinth, a water weed found in local ponds.
The initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability and offer a means of livelihood.
Over 1,200 rakhis have been handmade, with 700 sent for marketing.
The project is supported by the district magistrate and local government officials.
- Who
- Women in a self-help group.
- What
- Women are producing eco-friendly rakhis and bags from water hyacinth.
- Where
- Haripur gram panchayat, West Burdwan district, West Bengal.
- When
- As Raksha Bandhan approaches.
- Why
- To provide income, promote environmental awareness, and offer a sustainable alternative.
Traditional Rakhi Materials
Sustainable Materials
Materials
Traditional Rakhi Materials
Using various materials, including plastic, for rakhi production.
Sustainable Materials
Utilizing water hyacinth, a sustainable and eco-friendly material.
Key facts
- Material
- Water hyacinth
- Location
- Haripur gram panchayat
- Product
- Eco-friendly rakhis and bags
- District Magistrate
- S Ponnamballam
- Rakhis Made
- Over 1,200
- Marketing Quantity
- 700
Quotes
Gopinath Nag
vice-chairman of Haripur gram panchayat
“Our chief minister Mamata Banerjee has always spoken about empowering women through self-help groups.”
thestatesman.com
“The Haripur effort shows how two purposes are served in one go.”
thestatesman.com
Mandira Sutradhar
a housewife and SHG member
“Like there is a huge demand during Doljatra and Holi for herbal abir or gulal (instead of chemical varieties), we had hope that our handcrafted eco-friendly rakhis and bags would also get a good market.”
thestatesman.com
“Only water hyacinth plant stems that are 2.5 feet in length are used for rakhi manufacturing”
thestatesman.com
Narendra Nath Chakraborty
Pandaveswar MLA
“A similar effort by women of Bongaon Municipality had been made in 2022.”
thestatesman.com
“The rakhis were sent to President Draupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, chief minister Mamata Banerjee as well as global leaders like then Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and US President Joe Biden.”
thestatesman.com
S Ponnamballam
district magistrate of West Burdwan
“As the global battle against growing pollution continues, these eco-friendly rakhis made by the local SHG women from Haripur gram panchayat are an effort towards a sustainable future and should be encouraged.”
thestatesman.com
