Srinagar Feb 24 (KNO): Once the pride of the kitchen, the demand for earthenware is losing its sheen as the people have adopted a modern culture by switching to plastic and steel appliances for cooking and eating purposes in the Valley.
However, according to the medical experts, the use of plastic and other related appliances are deteriorating the environment besides the health of the people.
While talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), DAK president Nisar-ul- Hasan said that since soil contains micronutrients and earthenware pots are made of soil, it is not the only beneficial to use earthen pots, but by cooking in them, the vegetables don't lose their nutritional value as well.
“Plastic is not only killing the environment, but it is also hazardous to human health, and it's more hazardous when we serve hot food in it,” Dr Nisar said.
Dr Nisar said due to slow cooking, clay pots allow moisture and heat to absorb in the food, thus retaining the nutritional level. “In metal utensils, this tends to get lost,” he said.
Famous historian and social activist, Zareef Ahmed Zareef while talking to KNO said, “This is unfortunate that the things which are linked with our culture and history are being ignored and are going out of our hands.”
“Even our leaders, writers, social activists, politicians, they should have known about this heritage, but no one is showing interest in it,” he said.
“We are losing everything from our heritage and culture. It should be in our syllabus so that youngsters will get to know about our tradition and culture,” Zareef said.
Zareef said the government should take interest in this heritage and provide facilities to ceramists so that these artists too can earn and this art will remain alive—(KNO)