Gaurav Anand grew up watching his great-grandfather care deeply about the environment. However, when his family moved to Jharkhand, he saw pollution and neglect all around. Inspired to make a difference, he studied environmental engineering and later founded the Swachhatapukare Foundation in 2019.
Making Saris from a Harmful Weed
One of the foundation’s biggest projects is turning water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed, into beautiful handloom saris and eco-friendly products. This plant harms water bodies by blocking oxygen supply and choking aquatic life. Swachhatapukare removes the weed, processes its fibers, and blends them with cotton, jute, silk, and bamboo fiber to create high-quality textiles.
Helping Women Earn a Living
This initiative is not just about protecting the environment—it also helps rural women earn a steady income. The foundation trains women’s self-help groups, allowing them to work from home and make products like handbags, laptop bags, and home décor items. Over 400 women are now part of this project, earning between ₹5,000 and ₹12,000 per month.
National Recognition and Awards
Swachhatapukare’s efforts have gained national recognition. In 2024, it won the HBN-CRIIA-India Innovation Award for turning an environmental problem into a sustainable business.
How the Process Works
- Water hyacinth is collected from lakes and rivers.
- Pulp is extracted from the stems using a machine.
- Fibers are sun-dried for seven days.
- The processed material is woven with other eco-friendly fibers to make saris and accessories.
Unlike mass-produced textiles, these products use no synthetic dyes or chemicals, making them completely natural and sustainable.
Expanding the Project
Swachhatapukare is also working on:
- Bioplastics and biofertilizers from water hyacinth.
- Eco-friendly packaging materials.
- More training programs for women artisans.
A Lifelong Commitment
With 25 years of experience in environmental work, Gaurav Anand is dedicated to making a lasting impact. His foundation proves that even the most harmful weeds can be turned into valuable resources, benefiting both the planet and people’s livelihoods.
