What happened: NDPIC at PJTAU develops biodegradable paints and natural dye powders
Professor Jayashankar Agricultural University (PJTAU), Hyderabad, runs a Natural Dye Processing and Incubation Centre (NDPIC) focused on natural pigments and biodegradable colours. NDPIC develops paints and colours using natural dyes as alternatives to synthetic dyes, connecting natural-dye work to concerns about environmental pollution and health risks from harmful synthetic colouring substances.
NDPIC’s incubation function supports weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs through training and facilities for making products and piloting new ones. PJTAU’s College of Home Science is linked with technology for producing “Eco-Holi” powders, and NDPIC is described as housing production of these powders.
Background and earlier position: concerns about synthetic dyes in water and workplaces
The feature highlights environmental pollution and health risks for workers associated with harmful substances used in synthetic colouring. It links risk to water systems after festival idol immersion.
The feature states that synthetic dyes may include heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, which can harm human health when they enter water systems.