In Assam paper is made from water hyacinth to clear lakes
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Why in news
Entrepreneurs in Assam launched 'Kumbhi Kagaz' to manufacture stationery from water hyacinth to combat the invasive species' impact on freshwater ecosystems.
Background
The initiative was started in 2022 by Aniket Dhar and Rupankar Bhattacharjee. The company, Kumbhi Kagaz, harvests water hyacinth to provide an alternative livelihood for communities near freshwater lakes.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentWater hyacinth is an invasive plant species affecting freshwater ecosystems in Assam.
- FactKumbhi Kagaz began harvesting water hyacinth in 2022.
- PlaceThe initiative is based in Assam, India.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the conversion of invasive species into commercial products can serve as a sustainable model for ecological restoration and rural livelihood generation in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic viability: Balancing the cost of manual harvesting versus industrial-scale paper production
- Ecological restoration: Effectiveness of mechanical removal versus biological control of invasive aquatic flora
- Livelihood diversification: Transitioning local communities from lake-dependent activities to value-added manufacturing
Keywords: invasive species · ecological restoration · circular economy · livelihood generation · sustainable manufacturing
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.