A unique bicycle ‘Bambooka’, made from bamboo, was launched at the ‘National Tribal Dance Festival and Rajyotsava 2021’ here on Monday.
Jagdalpur resident and founder-consultant of Naturescape, Asif Khan, has initiated the project by making Chhattisgarh's first Bamboo bicycles.
He said the making of bamboo bicycles involves four prominent art and craft forms of Bastar: Dhokra art, iron (Wrought), ‘shishal’ (wood) and bamboo craft.
All these are handcrafted, which is the identity of the tribal-dominated Bastar region, he said.
“We have initiated a project of making cycles from bamboo, and the B1 prototype cycle has been prepared. It is also the first commercial line bicycle in Chhattisgarh and fourth in India,” Khan said.
The aim was to generate employment to the tribal youth of Bastar by reviving the extinct bamboo art and promoting it on a global platform, he said.
Khan said the bicycle weighs just 8.2 kg. It is convenient for people to use. The bicycle can be modified and slight changes can be made in the design as per the demand of the buyer.
