'Lota' making comeback in Indore, tossing out plastic bottle

The traditional copper 'lota' (small pitcher) is replacing plastic water bottles in government offices, public places and even at private functions in Indore city.

'No plastic bottle' is now a policy in government offices, but it is catching on elsewhere in the city too.

Banishing of plastic bottles and disposable plastic items may help the city grab the honour as India's cleanest urban area for the fourth time in a row, it is hoped.

"We have banned plastic water bottles at eight government offices. We provide water in copper lota or steel or glass tumblers," said Municipal Commissioner Ashish Singh.

The chaat (snack) market square in front of Meghdoot Garden has become disposable plastic-free zone.

Disposable plastic water bottles, spoons, forks, glasses and plates have also been banned on the campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) here, said spokesperson of the prestigious management institute.

Copper lotas to serve water are becoming fashionable at private functions too.

According to Asad Warsi, Indore Municipal Corporation's adviser for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', the city which has a population of three million generates 600 tonnes of dry waste daily. One fourth of it, or 150 tonnes, is plastic waste.

A fully automated 300-tonne capacity plant for segregation of plastic waste and recycling is being set up. A 5-tonne capacity plant which converts plastic waste into diesel is already functioning in the city, he said.