IN A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT

Thousands of traditional bamboo artisans in Kerala are facing starvation due to non-availability of bamboo, reed and cane. The forest from which this raw material is obtained is shrinking at an alarming rate. Deforestration continues unabated thanks to political backing by the powers that be.

The market for bamboo products is also dwindling. Many traditional bamboo products are fast disappearing from the local markets as plastic items are used as substitutes. They are cheap, handy and readily available. Mats, baskets, fancy articles and even “muram” are now being made with plastics.

“How can we complete with plastics ? asks Thankappan, whose five - member family eke out a living by making mats and baskets with reed.

The State Bamboo Corporation, which supplies bamboo, reed and cane failed to address the vital issues of this traditional industry.

“We are in a terrible predicament”,laments Devarajan of Anchal.None of the major political parties see our woes, because we belong to a maginalised society, the Parayas, adds Devarajan.

Reported by GOPARAJ PUNALOOR Designed by NOUSHAD