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Fallen hair changed status of crime-prone border village
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NewsByte on 05 May, 2008 09:25:00
 
Krishnanagar: Think twice before you throw out your falling hair in waste. The
'falling hair' have almost changed lifestyle of about 3000 villagers. Alike
them, the hair loss every time you comb, infact, can earn profit for you. It may
sound unbelievable bordering Chapra-Bara Andulia areas in Nadia. The villagers
collect the falling human hair and sell them to wig and toy makers, to earn big
buck.
This unique trade has almost changed the socio-economic status of the ware,
which even few years ago were very crime prone. However, in absence of
recognition by the state government the villagers are being subject of
harassment by police and customs officials as they think that the hair are
susceptible for hiding smuggled goods or even explosives. But, the villagers
alleged that the customs seize hair without any seizure documents just to siphon
money and even sell it in case not satisfied.
The demand of human hair has come up recently as the artificial wig no more
attracts people. To provide a close-to-real look to the wigs the demand of human
hair has increased very much. Initially, the trade was started in Murshidabad
district. However, it has now flourished in Chapra close to Indo-Bangladesh
border in Nadia. But, the proximity of the area to the border has made the
customs officials suspicious.
The villagers collect mainly fallen hair of women through hawkers, who go house
to house to collect it from all over the state in exchange of kitchen utensils.
“Nevertheless, the short cut saloon hair do not satisfy their
requirement,” said Sohrabuddin Sheikh.
After collecting hair, the women are engaged for sorting and cleaning of hair
by shampoo for which they get paid with Rs 20 per kilogram. After drying up the
hair are put over a special iron comb to clear knots and wrinkles. The process
is called 'kanta laga', which is done by unemployed youth who also get Rs 20 per
kilgram.
The final phase is called fancying, when bunches of different sizes of hair
made before handing over to the export agents. The price of this process hair is
around Rs 1500 per kg. The high rate and easy money are the main reason for
involving people of all age group in the trade.
Local CPI (M) MLA Samsul Islam Mollah, who supports the trade, said: "We have
sought recognition of this trade from the administration." Meanwhile, villagers
have planned to launch a movement. Sohrabuddin Sheikh said, "Many youth would
turn to crime again unless the trade is recognized." District Magistrate of
Nadia, Omkar Sing Meena, who although claimed ignorance about the trade has,
however, assured to look into the matter if the villagers approach him.