Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to Resume 200ml Jal Water Bottle Production
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced a significant decision to reintroduce 200ml bottles of its packaged drinking water brand, Jal. This move comes after a production halt initiated in 2019, driven by the Central government's phased ban on single-use plastics. The revival aims to address increased demand for smaller water bottles at official events and seminars, where the corporation has been relying on private brands, incurring substantial annual expenses.
Financial and Operational Background
Since discontinuing the 200ml bottles, the AMC has been purchasing 200ml and 1-litre bottles from other brands for its events, including standing committee meetings. This reliance on external suppliers has led to an annual expenditure ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. On Friday, the AMC's water and sewerage committee approved the reintroduction of the 200ml Jal bottles to curb these costs and enhance self-sufficiency. Officials highlighted that the growing need for compact water containers at AMC functions necessitated this strategic shift.
Historical Context of the Jal Brand
In 2014, the AMC commissioned a packaged drinking water plant at the Kotarpur water treatment facility, boasting a capacity of 3,000 liters per hour. The brand, named Jal, initially produced and sold bottles in 200ml, 500ml, and 1-litre sizes. Prior to this initiative, the corporation spent between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 50 lakh yearly on packaged water for events. The then municipal commissioner, D Thara, sanctioned the establishment of the bottling plant, which cost Rs 1.25 crore and became operational around 2016.
For three years, the 200ml and 500ml Jal bottles were utilized at AMC events, gaining approval for sale at parlors in municipal gardens and supply at functions. However, in 2019, as the Centre enforced a phased ban on single-use plastics, the then commissioner prohibited the 200ml bottles, permitting only 500ml and 1-litre variants. This decision aligned with environmental policies but led to increased dependency on private brands.
Future Plans and Innovations
Beyond reviving the 200ml bottles, the AMC is exploring new ventures, including the production of alkaline water packaged in glass bottles. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to diversify offerings and cater to evolving consumer preferences while adhering to sustainability goals. The reintroduction of the 200ml Jal bottles is expected to streamline operations, reduce external procurement costs, and reinforce the corporation's commitment to efficient public service delivery.
The decision underscores the AMC's adaptive approach in balancing regulatory compliance with practical needs, ensuring that municipal events are well-supplied without compromising on environmental responsibilities. As demand for smaller water bottles continues to rise, this move positions Jal as a key player in Ahmedabad's packaged water market.
