Kashmir University’s Answer Sheets to turn into Papier Mache Decoratives
In a unique eco-friendly intervention, the waste paper generated from the Kashmir University (KU) will be used to make eye-catching papier mache products.
The initiative has been taken by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir as hitherto piles of waste paper particularly the answer sheets of examinations were burnt.
According to a statement by Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, the Kashmir University has tied up with one of their Common Facility Centre (CFC) and co-operatives. They will be sourcing the paper before they are being torched in order to dispose. Now, in the eco-friendly disposal procedure this paper will be used for ‘sakhta’ (mould) making for papier mache products.
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He made the comments during the third edition of the Srinagar Craft Safari that was held in the Zadibal area of the old city on Saturday. Two craft safaris in Safakadal and Eidgah-Narwara-Kawdara areas have already been carried out.
He also said Zadibal was the hub of handicrafts and the Handicrafts and Handloom Department will continue to organize safaris in the coming days to promote the old city crafts including papier-mache.
In this Safari, the department has identified several artisans and clusters in old Srinagar city. At the same time, safaris have different routes. Going for a safari through a single route takes around two to three hours during which participants meet different craftsmen and also come across heritage structures of downtown Srinagar. The participants can also see the artisans working and how shawls, carpets, caps, papier mache products, etc are made.
As Srinagar has made it to the coveted list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Crafts and Folk Arts Category for the year 2021, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir has started a Craft Safari to promote the old city crafts.