CM launches 'Jharia' alkaline water bottling plant

RAIPUR,CG(INDIA): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday inaugurated the 'Jharia' alkaline water bottling plant at Pachera in Nawa Raipur Atal Nagar. Operated by the Sharda Self-Help Group from Abhanpur, the plant is a joint initiative of the Nava Raipur Atal Municipal Development Authority and the National Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihan’. During the launch, the Chief Minister interacted with the women managing the unit, sampled the alkaline water, and praised its health benefits, calling the project an inspiring example of women’s entrepreneurship.

Along with the plant, Chief Minister Sai also launched the Jharia mobile app and web portal, enabling online orders for alkaline drinking water. The initiative supports ten women from the Bihan group, helping them move toward financial independence under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ mission.

The plant features modern machinery and two labs that ensure the quality and alkaline levels of the water. The packaged water will be distributed to Raipur, Nava Raipur, and nearby areas, helping people access clean, health-boosting alkaline water known for benefits such as better hydration, detoxification, and improved heart and bone health.

In addition to promoting wellness, the plant is taking steps toward sustainability by using glass bottles instead of plastic, aligning with the goal of developing Nava Raipur as a ‘No Plastic Zone’. The water will be supplied based on demand to both government and private institutions. The group's president, Poonam Barle, shared that on the first day alone, they received an order of 200 bottles from IIM Nava Raipur, which the women delivered via e-rickshaw.

Finance Minister O.P. Chaudhary, Arang MLA Khushwant Saheb, and Industry Secretary Rajat Kumar were present at the event, along with several other dignitaries.