In a significant move towards reducing plastic use, Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated an eco-friendly glass water bottling facility at the Secretariat campus. This initiative aims to replace plastic bottles with glass ones under the brand name “Sakhi Neer.” The facility is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to minimise plastic usage in the country.
The new water facility will serve drinking water in reusable glass bottles, promoting an environmentally-friendly approach. This project is managed by the Narmada Ekta Women’s Group, which plays a pivotal role in the initiative. The launch took place in the presence of several important officials, including the Minister of Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, Mulubhai Bera, and State Minister Mukesh Patel.
The glass bottling facility is located on the ground floor of Block 13 in the new Secretariat building. The introduction of “Sakhi Neer” is expected to significantly reduce the use of plastic bottles in the office premises. This move is aligned with the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
The technology used in the project was developed by a young startup team led by Pratik Patel from Vadodara. They have also secured two patents with support from the Science and Technology Department of the state government. This innovative approach not only fosters environmental awareness but also supports local entrepreneurship.
This pilot project is not the first of its kind in Gujarat. A similar initiative called “Ambika Neer” was launched three years ago at an eco-tourism site in Tapi district. This project also provided water in glass bottles at the same price as plastic ones, demonstrating that eco-friendly options can be both accessible and affordable.
Furthermore, another major pilot project has been set up at the famous Tirupati temple, where efforts are being made to sell water in glass bottles at the same prices as plastic. This reflects a growing trend in India to tackle plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.
The Chief Minister also flagged off e-rickshaws that will be used for transporting glass bottles, further enhancing the eco-friendly aspect of the project. These e-rickshaws were developed by another startup under the Atmanirbhar Gujarat Fellowship scheme, highlighting the government’s support for local talent and innovation.
During the launch, the Chief Minister encouraged the women of the Sakhi Mandal, who will operate the facility, and engaged with the technology developers from the startups. This interaction underlined the importance of collaboration between government initiatives and local communities in achieving environmental goals.
The inauguration event was attended by key officials from the Forest and Environment Department, including Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kumar and Principal Secretary of Science and Technology Mona Khandhar, among others.
With the commencement of the “Sakhi Neer” plant, Gujarat is taking a bold step towards environmental sustainability. This initiative not only serves as a model for other states but also reflects a collective commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting the use of sustainable resources. As Gujarat continues to lead the way, it sets an example for others to follow in the fight against plastic pollution and climate change.
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