There is no doubt that bamboo is an alternate for the timber products as it’s very useful. Bamboo, a fast growing, versatile woody grass is found across the country. It is an economic resource having immense potential for improving the quality of life of rural and urban communities with environment regeneration qualities like carbon sequestering.

Bamboo provides raw material for large industries like paper and pulp as well as for cottage and handicrafts industry. Some bamboo species can grow one metre in a day. Bamboo shoots are used in the preparation of vegetables and various other dishes and many other horticultural uses. It is grown like any other horticultural crop by tilling the land and is harvested annually, when grown commercially. Bamboo roots, leaves, sap and ash are being used since ancient times as a remedy for minor and major ailments, particularly in Ayurvedic health care.

Bamboo has a special connection with people in the north eastern region of the country. From making homes to many other things, bamboo is integral part in one’s life. Bamboo shoots are found in most of the ethnic dishes here in north east. The world market for bamboo is valued at US $ 10 billion of which China’s share alone is to the tune of 50%. Market for bamboo is expected to reach about US $ 20 billion by 2015. The size of the domestic bamboo industry is estimated to be about Rs. 6505 crores, which may grow to Rs.26,000.00 crores by 2015.

Innovations and new planning is being discussed on the use of bamboo. Recently bamboo coffins were also proposed to be made and this might be a reality soon and it will save timber. Bamboo can be used and there are initiatives from various governmental and non-governmental agencies. It is time that concerned people promote the products or use them which will help in combating deforestation. There are many initiatives for popularizing bamboo and its products.

World Bamboo Day is celebrated to increase the awareness of bamboo globally. Where bamboo grows naturally, it has been a daily element, but its utilization has not always been sustainable due to exploitation. The World Bamboo Organization aims to bring the potential of bamboo to a more elevated exposure – to protect natural resources and the environment, to ensure sustainable utilization, to promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries in regions around the world, as well as promote traditional uses locally for community economic development. World Bamboo Day was declared by the Thai Royal Forest Department on 18 September in Bangkok, during the 8th World Bamboo Congress held at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel. This declaration is an effort to increase the awareness of bamboo globally.

For the protection of nature and save timber felling we can promote bamboo and its products. It also helps community in their livelihood and earning. Let’s do something for the earth and let’s promote bamboo and its products. We can encourage community to get associated with it and link them with expertise which shall bring many changes in the society. As northeast has this product so we can also plant bamboo, build with bamboo, sing with bamboo, wear bamboo, eat bamboo, walk among the bamboos, and feel good for us and for others.