Weed craft: From eco-threat to livelihood source for women

Nagpur: What was once an eyesore choking Ambazari Lake is now fuelling a quiet revolution in women's empowerment. In a novel initiative by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the production of eco-friendly handicraft items from water hyacinth — an invasive aquatic weed — has already begun, turning an environmental menace into an economic opportunity for local women.

Launched under the Social Welfare Department's skill development programme, the initiative has enabled 100 women from economically weaker sections to receive training in crafting items such as handbags, yoga mats, hats, tea coasters, fruit baskets, and water bottle holders using dried water hyacinth.

The first 45-day training batch, which commenced on May 2 at the Punapur Skill Development Centre, has recently concluded.

Additional municipal commissioner Vaishnavi B told TOI, "This initiative launched by NMC is not just a response to an environmental problem, but a significant step towards women's empowerment. By reusing water hyacinth, we've created meaningful employment while addressing an ecological challenge."

"Through this initiative, over 200 types of eco-friendly products are being created by the women, most of whom are working in self-help groups. NMC has provided all necessary equipment — including loom and roller machines — to facilitate the production process," dy MC Ranjana Lade said.

The project is being implemented through Ajay Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, which is guiding the women and helping convert the aquatic plant into usable craft material. The idea was spearheaded by Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, who took inspiration from the Chandrapur based NGO.

"This weed used to be a nuisance for the city. Now, it's become a source of dignity and income," said one of the women trainees, who now plans to launch a joint enterprise with her batchmates.

Despite repeated removal efforts by the solid waste management department and even expert consultations from NEERI, Ambazari Lake remained blanketed in hyacinth. Rather than treating it as a never-ending nuisance, the civic body chose to convert the weed into a livelihood source.

According to Lade, this is a textbook example of how coordinated planning can enable simultaneous environmental, economic, and social development. "Demand for these products is rising across India, and women are now gaining steady income. With similar innovative efforts, NMC will continue contributing to the holistic growth of the city," she said.

As part of the broader support framework, the NMC is also helping women artisans secure vital documents such as Udyam registrations, artist cards (Ministry of Textiles), and master cards. Financial linkages are being established through government schemes including the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission, PMEGP, and the Mudra Yojana.

Vaishnavi B added, "We are working to connect these artisans with local markets and to integrate them into self-help groups to ensure sustained income generation. This project goes far beyond skill-building—it's a model of resilience and entrepreneurship."

Beyond the socio-economic angle, the project also highlights the often-overlooked potential of water hyacinth. "This aquatic weed absorbs vast amounts of solar energy and stores it as biomass, functioning much like a natural solar panel," said a senior NMC official. "It purifies water by absorbing pollutants, and its fibres can be used not just for crafts, but also in organic compost, methane gas production, animal fodder, medicinal applications, cardboard, and even furniture."

In fact, the Laxmi Nagar zone initiated the physical removal of water hyacinth from Ambazari Lake on March 18, 2025, engaging 10 women from self-help groups. Since then, data shows that as of May 23, 2025, the initiative has processed 650 kg of dried hyacinth and 38 kg of fresh material.

Currently, 50 women are undergoing training on loom machines while another 50 are being trained on roller machines at the Punapur-Pardi Skill Development Centre.This initiative marks a rare example of how civic innovation can tackle ecological concerns while empowering women. In Nagpur, a weed long seen as a symbol of municipal failure is now blossoming into a tool of transformation.