“No plant offers the kind of socio-economic benefit to society that Bamboo does,” says architect Neelam Manjunath, executive committee member, Bamboo Society of India, ahead of the International Bamboo Conclave and Expo 2014 here.
“India should realise that this ‘green gold’ is about 30 per cent cheaper [than alternatives] when used for building purposes,” she says.
Its applications include walls, beams, columns, doors, windows, furnishing and flooring. “What makes bamboo a wonder material is its light weight, making it an ideal source for structures in seismic zones,’ Ms. Neelam says.
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According to her, bamboo plays a meaningful role in biodiversity conservation and contributes to soil and water management. It has 1,500 documented uses to meet the needs of people, from “the child’s cradle to the dead man’s bier”.
But not many know of this powerful material that can replace steel and wood in buildings. It is to address this concern that the international conference has been organised, says Ms. Neelam. “Considering its ecological significance and its vast economic potential, the bamboo conclave is to bring about awareness on the material in all its avatars.”
There are 175 varieties of bamboo grown in India. Sadly, the artisans in tribal areas who are trained in bamboo craft have been marginalised.
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The conclave will include a technical session as well as an exhibition of products. Policy issues, innovative technologies, its use in buildings, furniture, handicrafts and other cottage industries, skill development in the bamboo sector, and global trends will be discussed by experts.
The International Bamboo Conclave will be on February 22 and 23, Kuvempu auditorium, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK.