In a significant move to support sanitation workers and promote environmental consciousness, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation inaugurated a unique 'One Rupee Store' at Mahila Bhawan in Sector 38C on Thursday. This initiative is specifically designed for Safaikarmacharis, offering them access to essential reusable items at a nominal cost of just one rupee.
A Ceremony for Sustainability
The store was formally opened by Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla. The event saw the presence of Special Commissioner Pradeep Kumar, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, along with senior municipal officials and notable residents of the area. The inauguration marks an expansion of the civic body's ongoing efforts to embed sustainable practices within the community.
Mayor Babla highlighted that the overwhelming public response to the permanent Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) Centre located in Sector 17 served as the primary motivation for launching this new outlet. "The store offers easy access to reusable items at a nominal price of Rs 1, while spreading awareness about sustainable practices," she stated, emphasizing the dual benefit of affordability and education.
What's Inside the One Rupee Store?
The store boasts a wide variety of donated items that have been carefully refurbished for reuse. Shoppers can find an array of products, including:
- Books, clothes, and footwear
- Electronics and kitchenware
- Toys, bedsheets, and bags
- Home décor items and furniture
- Crockery and other daily essentials
All goods available are sourced from donations made by citizens at the central RRR Centre in Sector 17. The items undergo a process of repair and refurbishment before being placed on the shelves of the One Rupee Store, ensuring they are in good condition for their next life.
Building a Greener, Cleaner Chandigarh
Encouraged by the immediate success and positive reception of this store, the Municipal Corporation has announced plans to open more such outlets across various sectors of the city. This expansion aims to make sustainable living accessible to a larger population.
Special Commissioner Pradeep Kumar expressed gratitude towards the citizens for their continued support in donating items. He remarked that this initiative is a clear reflection of the growing public awareness and commitment towards sustainability goals. Since 2023, the MC's various One Rupee Stores have facilitated the reuse of over 30,000 items, preventing them from ending up in landfills.
Officials stated that the core objective of this effort is to foster pro-planet behavior among residents. The ultimate vision is to contribute to the creation of a garbage-free, resilient, and sustainable Chandigarh, where the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle become a way of life for all.
