GUWAHATI: The Northeast is all set to capitalise on renewed interest in traditional and natural products, with the promotion of bamboo.

Bamboo is being linked with the growth of tourism in the region. After the bamboo cottages in Kaziranga National Park became a rage with tourists, the Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) is developing a cafeteria made of bamboo in the city.

Another project is coming up at Sualkuchi, about 35 km from here, CBTC Director Kamesh Salam said.

The café is being built atop the Sarania Hills, near Gandhi Mandap, in Guwahati.

Gandhian philosophy

"The café inculcates the Gandhian philosophy of self-reliance through the use of local resources. Bamboo is found abundantly in the region and we are planning to use it meticulously to promote its utility," he said.

The CBTC is promoting bamboo houses and wants to demonstrate to the people that the houses are eco-friendly, durable and cheap. "People in the Northeast traditionally live in bamboo houses. But with modern technology, everyone is now focussed on concrete structures. We want to demonstrate the feasibility of bamboo structures even in this day."

According to CBTC architect Nakul Malsom, 75 per cent of the café will be made of bamboo, with the use of wood and steel restricted to the minimum.

"Nuts and bolts for the joints are also made of bamboo. The café has been designed on the Naga model." A four-bedroom guest room is also coming up near the cafeteria.

— UNI

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