Can a threat to your lake become an earning opportunity?
For women living around Odisha’s Chilika Lake, this question became the start of something new.
Chilika’s wetlands are increasingly threatened by water hyacinth—an invasive plant that clogs canals, depletes fish populations, and disrupts the prey base of species like the Fishing Cats.
In response, HEAL, in collaboration with @thefishingcatproject and supported by @thehabitatstrust, launched a pilot initiative in 2025 to train local women Self Help Groups to transform this threat into opportunity.
Training to Turn Invasive Water Hyacinth into Handicraft
The first training focused on the basics like harvesting, drying, and weaving the plant.
Months later, the women returned—not just with practice, but with their own ideas. Self-taught experiments reflected growing confidence, skill, and creativity.
The second training built on this momentum, introducing advanced techniques and refined designs to help them create market-ready products.
What once choked their waters is now being reimagined step by step. And in the process laying the groundwork for new, supplementary sources of income in their communities.
Learn More About HEAL’s Chilika Project
Mo Chilika Mo Gorbo: 6-months Environment Stewardship Program by HEAL
HEAL’s Women Led Initiative Wins Innovation Award at Subhadra Mela