Cuttack homes turn to cool khus this season

CUTTACK: Soaring temperature and frequent disruptions in power supply has increased the demand for eco-friendly khus curtains, which can keep a room cool.
"In the last one week, I sold khus curtains worth Rs 8,000. This year, we are doing brisk business compared to last year when air-conditioners and air coolers were available on EMI. These are of little use now due to power cuts," said Kalia, a khus curtain weaver of Peyton Sahi.
Over 80 families in the city eke out their living by weaving the curtains and mats. The curtains are priced between Rs 20 and 25 a sq ft.
"Weaving of these curtains is not an easy job. The work requires expertise and precision, which we have learnt from our forefathers. It is happy news for us that people are still opting for these traditional cooling curtains," said Rama Rao, a 73-year-old weaver.
The curtains are made up of vetiver grass, which is procured from Athagarh, Narsinghpur and Berhampur. "We are receiving bulk orders from offices and apartments. The curtains will put it in the corridors to avoid the heat," added Rao.
Khus, an aromatic grass, is used as a natural cooler. The curtains when sprinkled with water keep the hot winds at bay and the house cool. These screens also add a pleasant aroma to the house.
People have their own reason to opt for this traditional cooling system.
"Electricity tariffs have gone up. It is difficult to afford the bill when we operate air-conditioners or coolers. So, we opted for cheaper khus screens to get some relief from this scorching heat," said Swagatika Das, a homemaker.
Environmentalists are happy with the growing popularity of the curtains.
"The gases emitted from ACs and coolers are very harmful to our environment. People should be encouraged to use more such eco-friendly methods to beat the heat," said retired professor of botany P C Rath.