Eco-friendly alternative: Cloth bag vending machines back at five places

Indore: Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has reinstalled ATM-like cloth bag vending machines at five places recently, after more than six months they became damaged.
IMC commissioner Shivam Verma said, the machines, which were installed at Chhappan Dukan, Sarwate bus stand, Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, Smart City office and Rajwada square, have been repaired.They have now started dispensing reusable cloth bags for a small fee.
Launched by IMC in January last year, these innovative machines dispense reusable cloth bags, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to plastic shopping bags. Functioning like ATMs for eco-conscious shoppers, these machines allow users to purchase a cloth bag for a nominal fee of Rs 10. This initiative aims to tackle plastic pollution at its source by encouraging residents to carry reusable bags while shopping.
The initial roll-out of the machines had met with positive feedback. The ease of access and affordability are its key factors in promoting a shift from plastic bags. But lack of maintenance – especially during the assembly and General elections, had led to all five machines damaged.
“We have restored all the machines and they are working fine. “Presently, a private firm is manufacturing the cloth bags as per the machine’s design and functioning,” the commissioner said, adding that a team of experts has also assigned regular maintenance of the machines.
IMC has NGOs and Self Help Groups working in 3R workshops and they might replace the private firm in manufacturing of the cloth bags.
“Before that, we are studying people’s response as the NGOs and SHGs will be assigned the task only it the demand for cloth bags being dispensed through the vending machines increases,” he explained.