Warangal: To curb illegal bamboo cutting from forest reserves and illegal bamboo empowering rural communities, Mulugu District Forest Official Rahul Kishan Jadhav launched a unique bamboo craft training program.
The Forest Department now does not take punitive action against those who have illegal bamboo harvests, but provides free training for locals skilled in traditional crafts. The trainees were taught to convert raw bamboo into a marketable decorative item. The department also provides free raw materials and meals.
Forest scope official D. Shankar told Deccan Chronicle that under the DFO’s directive, the project has identified 20 hectares of woodland and identified a large number of bamboo growth.
A 20-day training course was held at the Forest Department campus at the Mulugu Regional Headquarters for 30 participants. Expert craftsmen from Madhya Pradesh, Gagan Dhedeshwar and Gagan Daiheril led the program.
Trainees learned to make 108 bamboo products, including decorative bull markets, peacocks, bird’s nests, pallets, boats, pen holders, mobile racks and flower fragments. Aesthetic-made items have begun to attract people’s attention.
During the recent visit to the historic Ramapa Temple by Miss World contestants, they presented bamboo made by our students. They were surprised and even asked for more items. ” Shankar said.
Moluguri Poojitha, an intern with a bachelor’s degree and a bed level, said the training opened a new path for her. “Although I couldn’t find a job earlier, I now like to create bamboo and express my creativity.”
Another student, Shanigarapu Harika from the Medara community, said her family has a long tradition of bamboo craftsmanship. “Earlier, we only made household items. This training gave us the confidence to try out decorations. We have already started ordering.”
DFO Rahul Kishan Jadhav said in a conversation with Deccan Chronicle that the goal is to generate rural jobs and the department is seeking state-level support to boost sales. He explained that during a recent visit by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Minister Panchayat Raj Seethakka introduced the handmade items, which caused positive feedback.
“We plan to host a state-level exhibition in Hyderabad to showcase the work of rural youth. Discussions with e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart to expand market access,” the DFO added.
