News: A Srinagar artisan has developed Grass Mache, using aquatic weeds removed from Dal Lake to make handicrafts.

What is it?

• Innovative waste-to-wealth craft using discarded aquatic weeds + grasses.
• Inspired by Kashmir’s traditional papier-mâché techniques.
• Dried weeds → fine fibrous pulp → mixed + moulded → dried into products.

Products

• Flower vases + ornaments + hanging decorations + home décor.
• Potential use → fireproof switchboards + panels.

Significance

• Dal Lake conservation → productive use of removed weeds.
• Circular economy → converts biomass + recycled paper into useful products.
• Women-led livelihoods → supports local employment + entrepreneurship.
• Cultural preservation → modern application of traditional Kashmiri papier-mâché.
• Waste-to-wealth → environmental conservation + green livelihood together.