Punjab: Paddy residue used for seating of pilgrims

Punjab: In a unique initiative, paddy residue, often blamed for air pollution, is being used as eco-friendly seating for pilgrims attending the Shaheedi Jor Mela in Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala. The organisers have stacked paddy rakes to create a comfortable seating arrangement, addressing the challenges faced by many people, especially the elderly and women, who find it difficult to sit on the floor for long hours. Langar organiser Kulwinder Singh welcomed the pilgrims to an open ground where these stacks of paddy were kept. “These paddy rakes provide padded seats for the devotees who are tired after travelling long distances,” Kulwinder said. “They also save the cost of arranging mattresses. After the langar, the rakes can be stored for future use or left to rot naturally.” Sukhwinder Kaur, a devotee, praised the initiative, saying, “I have joint pain and find it difficult to sit on the floor during langar. These bales have proved to be lifesavers for me. We carried them in our tractor trolley and used them wherever we stopped.

This innovative use of paddy residue follows an initiative taken in 2020 by Anil Sharma, assistant director of the communication centre, known for his jingles against stubble burning. Sharma had earlier introduced sofas, seats and tables made of paddy straw. “I saw these rectangular bales in a farmer’s field and realised their potential as outdoor seating areas,” Sharma told IANS. “We wrapped the bales with polythene and covered them with other materials. The entire setup cost us only Rs 2,000.” Sharma stressed that burning paddy is not the solution and called for maximum use of paddy residue. He said many jaggery makers have already started using it as fuel. This initiative highlights how creative solutions can turn a major environmental concern into a valuable resource, promoting both sustainability and community well-being. There is a 70 per cent decline in the use of paddy residue in the year 2023 as compared to the same period. This year, more than 19.52 million tonnes of paddy residue is expected to be managed through methods such as in-situ and ex-situ management and using the residue as animal feed.