Assam-Based Startup Kumbhi Kagaz Earns PM Modi's Praise For Making Eco-Friendly Paper

GUWAHATI: Assam-based startup Kumbhi Kagaz has garnered appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its innovative approach of producing paper from water hyacinth. The invasive weed, locally known as 'Meteka,' poses a threat to wetlands, and the startup aims to conserve the ecosystem by transforming the harmful plant into eco-friendly paper products.

Kumbhi Kagaz, started by Rupankar Bhattacharjee and Aniket Dhar, is the only company in India that makes handmade, chemical-free paper from water hyacinth fibres. The company produces notebooks, calendars, and other paper products. The idea began in 2016-17 after a discussion with scientist and herpetologist Jayaditya Purkayastha, who is their mentor.

Speaking to the media, co-founder Rupankar Bhattacharjee said, "Co-founder Aniket and I set up this company Kumbhi Kagaz, and we are the only company in India that makes chemical-free, handmade paper from water hyacinth. We started converting 100 percent of water hyacinth fibres into pulp into paper."

Currently, the startup employs 16 workers in its production unit and engages over 100 community members near Deepor Beel in Guwahati and Kaziranga Agoratoli range. The Field Director of Kaziranga National Park has also extended support to the project.

Bhattacharjee stated, "In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Kumbhi Kagaz during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address. This time, at Advantage Assam 2.0, the Prime Minister visited our stall on February 24 and interacted with us. We feel extremely fortunate to have met him. Our goal is to transition to automated paper manufacturing. The handmade paper industry in India is currently valued at 2.5 billion dollars and is projected to reach 10 billion dollars by 2030. We aspire to be game-changers in this field."

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