Bastar’s social work professional launches CG’s first Bamboo bi-cycle to revive the extinct bamboo art

Raipur: Once known for
bloodsheds and Naxalism, the tribal-dominated Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is
now paving its way for development and new possibilities. A pool of talent
whether in the field of sports or crafts is widely distributed in this tribal
belt of Chhattisgarh.

One such is of a social
work professional hailing from Jagdalpur city of Bastar who has initiated the
project of making Chhattisgarh’s first Bamboo bi-cycles “Bambooka”
which means made using bamboo. This bamboo cycle is made using four prominent
art and craft of Bastar including Dhokra art, iron, shishal and bamboo crafts,
thereby preserving and promoting the unique handicrafts of this
tribal-dominated region.

This uniquely
manufactured bamboo bicycle has been launched at the National Tribal Festival
and ‘Rajyotsava 2021’ held here at Science College Ground, where it has been
put for display and available for pre-booking.

Inventor of this
project Asif Khan, founder and consultant at Naturescape, said that “We
have initiated the project of making cycles from bamboo, and the B1 prototype
cycle has been prepared for the first time in which confluence of four different
handicraft arts of Bastar i.e. Dhokra, iron craft, shishal and bamboo is
utilized, making it to be the first effort of its kind in the whole world. This
is first commercial line bicycle in Chhattisgarh and fourth in India”.

He added that the aim
behind his initiative is to provide employment to the tribal youth of Bastar by
reviving the extinct bamboo art and promote the same on global platform.

Briefing about the
uniqueness of this bicycle, Khan said that the bi-cycle is extremely light
weight weighing just 8.5 Kgs and is very convenient for people to use. Also the
bicycle can be modified and slight changes can be made in the design as per the
demand of buyer.

Bambooka has become a
center of attraction for the visitors at the fest. Asif expressed gratitude
towards the state government for providing him with a great platform for the
launch of his initiative saying that he has received good response from the
visitors here.