Page 28 - U4SSC Case study: Re-use of consumer goods and tools loaning, June 2020

Figure 8: Gabbas of Kashmir

Both of these arts are practised even today in a contemporized manner with new designs and
techniques. The objective of this case study is to highlight these forms of art from a sustainability
perspective. Encouraging these traditional art forms in modern cities would save the environment by
reducing the quantity of waste being generated, and at the same time preserving the traditional art
forms and bringing new employment opportunities.

The surplus products, being premium products, can be sold outside the city, thus giving a boost to
the economy of the city. In addition, the products can be marketed online. Some efforts at linking the
craftsmen and potential buyers directly through e-platforms are also being made, in order to avoid
the middlemen.

Results

Employment is generated at all levels, through the collection of the fabrics, processing, delivering, and
so on. It also saves the environment by recycling the enormous amounts of fabric waste and converting
it into usable articles which are very durable and aesthetically rich.

Social impact:

1. Kantha has traditionally been a women’s craft, where it was practised at the domestic level. Therefore,
reviving the traditional arts of Kantha and Gabba will offer new employment opportunities to
women. This process of enhanced opportunities for women would lead to meeting SDG 5 - Gender
Equality.
2. Ancient crafts such as Kantha and Gabba will be preserved and put to use in the present context
of Smart Sustainable Cities.

22 Case study: Re-use of consumer goods and tools loaning, June 2020