For centuries a type of paper called ‘Mon Shugu’ is made in the hilly region of Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is a town situated at 448 kilometres North-West of Arunachal Pradesh’s capital Itanagar.
The locals at Tawang make Mon Shugu paper which is also called as Monpa Handmade paper from the bark of a plant named Shugu Sheng, trees do not have to be cut to make this paper. Besides, no chemical is used in making this paper, thus, this paper is safe for the environment and for health too.
There was a time when this paper was exported but with modern techniques. As large amount of paper started getting made and this local art was pushed to the brink of closure. Now a local social worker Gombu has made an effort to rejuvenate this art, this is also giving employment to the tribes living there.
PM Modi made a special mention about this on radio programme Mann Ki Baat 2.0 and said, this is an example of how protection of environment can open avenues of income.
