In Srinagar, a Kashmiri artisan has developed an innovative method to incorporate aquatic weeds from Dal Lake into the traditional craft of papier-mache, providing a cost-effective alternative to conventional materials. Dal Lake, renowned for its floating gardens and houseboats set against the Himalayan mountains, has long been affected by the proliferation of invasive aquatic plants. These weeds are regularly removed by local authorities to maintain clear waterways.

Simran Irshad, 35, began exploring the use of these weeds after noticing the rising expense of paper, which is the primary raw material for Kashmir’s papier-mache. This craft, which has Persian origins, is well known for its vibrant hand-painted boxes, trays, ornaments, and Christmas decorations adorned with intricate floral and paisley designs. These products are traditionally made from recycled paper pulp.

After several months of experimentation, Irshad developed a process that involves drying and pulverizing the aquatic vegetation, then mixing it with recycled paper pulp and a binding agent to create a new papier-mache material. She believes this approach can enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and increase the durability of the craft.

Irshad personally collects the weeds by boat on Dal Lake before processing them in her workshop. Beyond her own work, she has trained around 50 women in the region to produce paper products using this method. By incorporating a locally abundant, otherwise discarded resource, her innovation aims to sustain and expand Kashmir’s traditional papier-mache industry while addressing environmental challenges posed by the lake’s weed growth.