Paddy residue repurposed as seating for pilgrims at Shaheedi Jor Mela
In a unique initiative, paddy residue — often blamed for as being a major contributor to air pollution — is being repurposed as eco-friendly seating for pilgrims attending the Shaheedi Jor Mela in Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala. The organisers have stacked paddy rakes to create comfortable seating, addressing challenges faced by many, especially the elderly and women, who find it difficult to sit on the floor for
extended periods.
Kulwinder Singh, a langar organiser, welcomed pilgrims at an open ground where these paddy stacks were placed. “These paddy rakes offer a cushioned seat for devotees who might be tired after traveling long distances,” Kulwinder said. “They also save the cost of arranging mattresses. After the langar, the rakes can either be stored for future use or left to decompose naturally.”
A devotee, Sukhwinder Kaur praised the initiative, saying, “I suffer from joint pain and sitting on the floor during langar was tough. These bales have been a lifesaver. We transported them in our tractor trolley and used them wherever we stopped.”
This innovative use of paddy residue follows a 2020 initiative by Anil Sharma, assistant director of the Communication Centre, known for his anti-stubble burning jingles. Sharma had previously introduced sofas, seats and tables made from paddy straw. “I noticed these rectangular bales in a farmer’s field and realised their potential as outdoor seating,” Sharma explained. “We wrapped the bales with polythene and covered them with other materials. The entire setup cost us only Rs 2,000.”
Sharma stressed burning paddy is not the solution and called for greater utilization of paddy residue. He said many jiggery makers have already begun using it as fuel.
The initiative highlights how creative solutions may turn a major environmental concern into a valuable resource, fostering both sustainability and community wellbeing. The use of paddy residue has declined by 70 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. Over 19.52 million tonnes of paddy straw are expected to be managed this year, through methods such as in-situ and ex-situ management, and by using the residue for animal fodder.
