Bamboo play area an eye-catcher at IITF

A play area made entirely from bamboo has become the cynosure of all eyes at the India International Trade Fair, 2012 (IITF), underway at Pragati Maidan.

Carving out a unique space amidst a plethora of stalls set up by those from within the country and abroad, is the pavilion of National Small Industries Corporation Limited in Hall 14. The pavilion is attracting many visitors, especially those below the age of 15.

Slightly bigger than a living room, the play area is light, collapsible and can be set up in the matter of a few hours on a rooftop or a garden or any such open space.

The play area can be dismantled and packed just as quickly and can be moved around because of its lightweight.

The joints of the structure are glued together using bamboo pieces. There is no use of wood or steel or any other alloy in the entire zone.

The concept was recently introduced in India from Germany, organisers said. Before this, steel and other materials like metal hooks were used to join bamboo shoots together.

After the structure is set up, bamboo boards can be used for walls and flooring or a rope wall can be put in to enclose the space.

Once constructed, swings and other play material can be added to the space for children.

The National Mission on Bamboo Applications, the nodal agency supporting small entrepreneurs — mostly from the Northeast — helped bring this innovative concept to IITF.

Project officer Rohit Sharma said, "Local NGOs are training local artisans in small states to make 100 per cent bamboo products."

Chairman and Managing Director, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Rita Menon said the format of IITF is such that it is advantageous to small entrepreneurs and micro-industries.

"We are supporting entrepreneurs in many ways. Transparency in terms of applying and registering for the fair has helped them come to this platform even if they are not under any banner," she said.

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