Herbal way to protect books from insects -written by Nitisha Gurjar (BA English Hons.)

The team at Lucknow University discovers an  herbal way to protect books from insects.

 

In its endeavor to defend books against insects, the team at Lucknow University has found an intriguing finding. When they chew through the pages and leave holes, little insects and worms can seriously harm books, especially ancient ones. In order to stop this devastation, pest management techniques are frequently used. But many of these chemical-based techniques have the potential to be dangerous for both people and the environment. In order to protect its library volumes, Lucknow University has turned to conventional and herbal techniques after realizing the need for a safer and more sustainable strategy.

 

Lucknow University has started employing  natural products like clove, asafetida, and neem  to conserve their collection in a phased implementation under the direction of experts from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). The librarian at Lucknow University, Professor Dr. Sahu, adds, "We have started using clove, asafetida, and neem gradually with the cooperation of INTACH, which has experience with restoration projects in museums and libraries. Our library currently has 5 lakh books, and we add about 25,000 new books every year.

 

The use of these natural substitutes has enormous potential. Many books are currently protected via chemical techniques, which can have a negative impact on the environment and create health hazards for people. Lucknow University wants to eliminate the usage of dangerous chemicals and their negative effects on the environment by switching to natural materials.

 

This project supports more general environmental goals. There will be fewer dangerous toxins in the environment as a result of using less chemicals. Pest management methods that use chemicals frequently release harmful substances into the environment, which can remain and have long-term consequences on ecosystems, including soil, water, and animals. Lucknow University is actively promoting sustainability and environmental protection by implementing herbal substitutes.

 

Neem, clove, and asafetida have all long been known for their ability to repel insects. Each of these compounds has special qualities that make them each good at keeping pests away. The chemicals in clove, which are noted for their aromatic qualities, are insect-repelling. Asafetida, a resin derived from the Ferule plant, has long been used as an insect repellent since pests don't like the smell of it. Neem, a tree that is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, is well known for its ability to repel insects and has been used for millennia to do so.

 

The use of these herbal remedies for book protection offers an intriguing chance to investigate traditional knowledge and make use of nature's inherent defense mechanisms. Clove, asafetida, and neem have natural qualities that make them a safer alternative to chemical-based treatments for preserving books without endangering the health of library employees, patrons, or the environment.

 

The effort of Lucknow University serves as a model for other colleges and organizations to rethink their approaches to pest management. You can strike a balance between preservation and environmental care by adopting sustainable procedures and looking into herbal alternatives.