HYDERABAD: With plastic-free Hyderabad movement gathering steam, water bottles, kettles and cup and saucer sets, all made of clay, are selling like hotcakes in the city. Soon after the government announced its intention, government departments have swung into action to implement it on top priority.
The
Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and
Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) declared all its offices as free of single-use plastic articles and even started offering water in
clay glasses and water bottles to visitors and officers.
The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) too started using clay articles from the 'World Environment Day,' (June 5) itself. "Even at meetings and workshops, we use clay glasses and bottles," a senior TSPCB official said.
In fact, there is a huge demand for clay containers soon after the government announced ban on plastic usage. "Initially, our business (clay containers) was dull. Now, there is a huge demand for clay articles. A set of six cups and a clay water bottle costs 290," Roshini, in-charge of a kitchenware unit at Sanatnagar, told TOI.
"We source our products from a Gujarat-based company, the only firm manufacturing clay objects in the country," she added.
"Nearly five to six decades ago, we used to cook in clay pots. After plastic came into use, all clay utensils vanished from the market. Now, usage of clay articles are becoming popular again. Food cooked in clay pots is tasty and healthy too," Sada Siva Brahmam, a senior citizen, said.
The water board has been enquiring about companies for bulk and regular supply of clay articles, a senior Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board official said.
Clay glasses and water bottles.
