In Kashmir, lake weeds mix with traditional art

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Simran Irshad, a Kashmiri artisan, has innovated the traditional papier-mache craft by using aquatic weeds from Dal Lake as a sustainable alternative to paper. This approach not only reduces environmental waste but also creates employment opportunities for local women, with plans to expand the initiative pending further support.

In Srinagar, a local artisan is innovating within the traditional Kashmiri craft of papier-mache by incorporating aquatic weeds harvested from Dal Lake, a site famous for its scenic floating gardens and historic houseboats. Simran Irshad, 35, developed a method that uses these lake weeds as a key component in creating papier-mache products, seeking to address rising paper costs that have made the craft increasingly expensive.

Dal Lake has long been a popular destination, known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. However, it has faced challenges due to the excessive growth of aquatic plants, which Indian authorities regularly clear to maintain navigability. Irshad saw an opportunity in this environmental issue by repurposing the removed vegetation. After several months of experimentation, she established a process combining dried, pulverized lake weeds with recycled paper pulp and a binding agent to produce a new papier-mache material.

Kashmiri papier-mache, rooted in Persian craftsmanship, is traditionally made with paper and celebrated for its brightly painted items featuring detailed floral, bird, and paisley designs. It includes boxes, trays, ornaments, and even Christmas decorations that are exported globally. Irshad questioned the necessity of relying solely on paper, which involves cutting down trees, and instead turned to a local, renewable resource that was otherwise discarded.

“I collect the weeds by boat, then dry and process them in my workshop,” Irshad explained. She tested various types of vegetation before determining that the lake weeds, which have a higher moisture content, were most suitable for the craft. She referred to the lake’s vegetation as a “treasure given to me by God,” emphasizing the sustainable nature of her approach.

Since developing the technique, Irshad has trained around 50 women in the new method, with 15 currently employed in producing papier-mache products based on the weed mixture. She expressed a desire to expand the initiative to provide more work opportunities for women but noted that additional support is necessary to scale up production.

This creative adaptation of an age-old craft highlights a blend of environmental conservation and cultural preservation, offering a potential model for sustainable artisanal practices in Kashmir.

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