"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
26 Aug 2019
How about drinking tea in kulhads at airports and malls? It certainly is eco-friendly and the experience of drinking tea from a kulhad is always joyful and wholesome.
The Union Transport and MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari has written to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal about initiating the use of kulhads at major railway stations, airports and other public places.
Currently, tea is being served in eco-friendly terracotta-made 'kulhads', glasses and plates in two railway stations - Varanasi and Rae Bareli. The government plans to make kulhads mandatory at100 railway stations, as well as airports and state transport undertakings having tea stalls at bus depots. It will also encourage malls to start kulhad tea stalls.
Apart from the benefits to the environment by replacing plastic and paper, kulhads will also generate employment and provide a huge market for local potters. Gadkari has also ensured that the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) will supply equipment for large-scale production of kulhads according to the increase in demand. The government has been distributing electric wheels to potters under the Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana to increase their productivity.
The use of kulhads was first initiated in 2004 by railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav who had made it clear that hot beverages should be served only in 'kulhads'. This move will give people a taste of eco-friendly cups and a thrust to the pottery industry.