Khargone, April 25: In Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, a women-led self-help group has begun producing biodegradable lamps made from flour. This initiative, supported by the state government, aims to provide an alternative to plastic materials used during religious rituals in the Narmada River.
The project not only promotes environmental conservation but also boosts rural employment. The ‘Maa Narmada Livelihood Self-Help Group,’ operating near Omkareshwar, received financial assistance of ₹150,000 from the state’s Panchayat and Rural Development Department under the ‘Rural Livelihood Mission.’
According to a government statement, the initiative addresses the growing problem of plastic waste generated during rituals like ‘Deepdaan.’ Plastic lamps and utensils are often discarded into the river, polluting the water and endangering aquatic life. In contrast, flour lamps dissolve in water without leaving harmful residues.
The government emphasized that reducing plastic waste in religious activities is crucial for saving the Narmada River. By promoting alternatives like flour lamps, we are ensuring sustainable livelihoods for rural women while contributing to river conservation.
Furthermore, the ‘Rural Livelihood Mission’ is assisting this self-help group with training, packaging, branding, and market connections to ensure the continuity of this initiative.
These lamps are being sold at flower shops and grocery stores in Morataka’s Khedighat, making it easier for pilgrims visiting the temple town to purchase them.
Vijaya Joshi, president of the self-help group, stated that the decision to start this initiative came after witnessing the adverse effects of plastic waste on the river. She noted, “We observed that plastic items were harming Maa Narmada and negatively affecting fish. Our flour lamps dissolve in water and are completely safe for the environment. Additionally, they provide us with a regular income.”
She added that the initiative has received a positive response from devotees, as offering natural products aligns with traditional beliefs. According to religious customs, using lamps made of clay or flour for ‘Deepdaan’ is considered particularly virtuous.
The state government has described this project as a model for other pilgrimage sites along the banks of the Narmada River. They believe this model has immense potential to link livelihood creation with environmental conservation.
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