Kolkata Civic Body to Recycle Temple Flower Waste into Herbal Colours and Incense Sticks

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to launch an initiative to recycle flower waste collected from temples into herbal colours and incense sticks, in a move aimed at promoting sustainable waste management and reducing environmental pollution.

Under the project, flowers and garlands discarded at temples across the city will be processed instead of being dumped in landfills or water bodies. Civic officials said the initiative seeks to address the growing challenge of managing floral waste, a significant portion of which often finds its way into the Hooghly river and other dumping sites, contributing to pollution.

The project is being implemented with the support of the West Bengal Municipal Affairs Department. The recycled flowers will be converted into eco-friendly products such as herbal aabir and incense sticks through scientifically designed processing methods. Officials said the initiative is expected to encourage the reuse of biodegradable waste while promoting environmentally responsible disposal practices.

Apart from its environmental benefits, the project is also expected to generate employment opportunities. In the initial phase, at least 15 women will be engaged in the processing and production of the recycled products. They will receive training in waste segregation, flower processing and the manufacture of herbal colours and incense sticks to ensure quality production and safe handling practices.

According to KMC officials, the civic body plans to organise workshops and skill-development programmes for the women associated with the project. The initiative is intended not only to reduce the volume of waste reaching disposal sites but also to create a sustainable livelihood model through the production of marketable eco-friendly goods. The civic body has increasingly focused on improving waste management through recycling and resource recovery initiatives. Officials said floral waste generated at religious places can be effectively utilised instead of being discarded, helping reduce the environmental burden while creating value-added products.