Ambikapur: Believe it or not, food and snacks can be received at free of cost to citizens in exchange of plastic wastes in Ambikapur's Chhattisgarh.
In a unique initiative, the 'Garbage cafe', set up by Ambika Municipal Corporation (AMC) is giving free meals to the needy in exchange for one kg or more of plastic waste.
The cafe has bagged the title of the second cleanest city in India, through the initiative, will provide impetus to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'plastic-free' India resolve.
"More the waste better the taste", the concept of this cafe is that people can get their plastic waste weighed and enjoy a warm meal is provided for free to the poor or homeless in exchange for plastic waste in return.
Launched on October 9, India's first 'Garbage Cafe' provides lip-smacking food to about anyone who brings in a kilogram of plastic waste. Nearly 10-20 kgs of plastic waste are being brought to the cafe daily. The waste is then taken to Corporation's Sanitary park's recycling centre.
The team of ETV Bharat visited the cafe and found the place to be lively. Even the local children brought in plastic waste to enjoy a delicious meal.
Not only this helps in keeping the city plastic-free, but it also provides employment for women as it is operated by women self-help groups.
This initiative taken by Municipal Corporation to make the citizens aware of keeping the city plastic-free has been successful to an extent.
A city of less than 2 lakh, Ambikapur had jumped 15 positions to become the second cleanest city in the country in Swacch rankings, and aiming for further.
According to the cafe staff, a lot of citizens have extended their support and lauded the initiative taken by the AMC. They say that from rag-pickers to businessmen, one and all are contributing to this noble idea.
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