Kulgam woman discovered enzyme that converts polythene to ashes, gets ‘Nari Shakti’ award from President
Grass root innovator Nasira Akhter from South Kashmir’s Kulgam district had developed a herb that converts polythene to ashes, thereby making polythene biodegradable.
Hailing from Kanipora Kulgam, Nasira was awarded for her innovative idea of destroying polythene by discovering a herb and N.P.L which is used to convert polythene into ashes without causing any kind of environmental pollution. She is the first Indian woman to convert polythene into ashes.
In recognition of her achievements, she received the Nari Shakti Puraskar on International Women’s Day 2022 from the President of India Ram Nath Kovind.
Born in 1972, it took her years to formulate the idea. She has been receiving a lot of appreciation and accolades. Before Nari Shakti Puraskar, she has been recognized by Kalam World Record, Asia Book of Records, and India Book of Records. She has also received an honorary doctorate from World Record University in London.
“Nasira Akhter (born on February 1, 1972) of Jammu & Kashmir, India, set a record for discovering a herb & NPL which is used to convert polythene to ashes without causing any kind of environmental pollution. She took 8 years, 7 months and 5 days (from October 1, 1999, to May 6, 2008) to discover this method. The paste of this herb is applied on the mounds of polythene when it is burnt, as confirmed on July 4, 2020.” states the portal of the Asia Book of Records.
Having studied till 12th class only, she struggled a lot while researching on her idea as there was no internet or references available to her for her help.
Nasira believes that she doesn’t need books to get ideas for innovations. “The universe is an open book. The one who studies it keenly always finds something,” she said.
Currently she is working in the Pollution Control Department. With her innovations, she had no idea what to do and where to go.
“I have entered into an agreement with a company that has signed a not disclosure clause prevented it from disclosing any details about the herb composition,” Nasira said.
She said though she was not encouraged by people initially, she was sure that one day the world would appreciate her work.
Nasira said she was glad after receiving the award and was waiting for the day when her product will be available in the markets.
I am happy after receiving the award. But, I will be happier when my innovation will be available in the markets and benefit the people as well as the environment,” she said.
