DITO Social Welfare Association’s 12-day Water Hyacinth Training Program in Barjora, Bankura. Empowering local SHG women to turn invasive weeds into eco-friendly crafts while restoring West Bengal’s water bodies
The DITO Social Welfare Association, under its SHANIRBHAR project, has taken a significant step toward empowering local communities and combating environmental challenges with a 12-day Water Hyacinth Training Program held in Barjora, Bankura. More than 25 women from local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participated, learning innovative techniques to transform water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed, into valuable handcrafted products. The program was led by a certified trainer from Assam, accredited by the Indian Government, adding credibility to the initiative.
Addressing the Environmental Crisis of Water Hyacinth
The Water Hyacinth problem is not unique to Barjora but is prevalent across various districts of West Bengal, especially in areas surrounding Kolkata, including North and South 24 Parganas. These regions have experienced significant pollution in local water bodies due to the rapid growth of this invasive species. The thick mats of water hyacinth block sunlight from reaching the water, disrupting the aquatic ecosystem and severely affecting the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.
In response to this environmental crisis, DITO devised a plan to not only address the ecological impact but also empower the local communities. By removing Water Hyacinth from ponds and other water bodies, DITO aims to restore the ecological balance while simultaneously turning the weed into an opportunity for livelihood generation.
Turning Environmental Challenges into Livelihood Opportunities
DITO’s mission goes beyond eradicating Water Hyacinth. The SHANIRBHAR project transforms the challenge of this invasive weed into a sustainable livelihood for local SHG women. The program teaches participants to create eco-friendly products like baskets, placemats, bags, and other handicrafts from dried water hyacinth fibers. This initiative not only equips women with skills for economic empowerment but also helps reduce environmental pollution by clearing local water bodies.
The Impact of the Training Program
The training program in Barjora has empowered over 25 women with the knowledge and skills to produce marketable products from water hyacinth. By engaging local SHG women, DITO Social Welfare Association aims to boost community-based income generation and foster economic independence. The expertise shared by the trainers from Assam ensures that the women are equipped with certified skills recognized by the Indian Government, opening doors to larger markets and opportunities.
DITO’s Vision for a Greener, Empowered Future
DITO Social Welfare Association is committed to eradicating Water Hyacinth from West Bengal’s water bodies, restoring ecological balance, and improving local water quality. At the same time, the organization remains focused on empowering women through skill development and livelihood opportunities. With the SHANIRBHAR project, DITO merges environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment, creating a model that addresses multiple social and environmental issues simultaneously.
By promoting eco-friendly craftsmanship, the SHANIRBHAR project contributes to reducing the negative impact of Water Hyacinth and aligns with global sustainability goals. The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of combining environmental conservation with social empowerment.
