Mayor Inaugurates Second ‘Prarambh’ Store, Offering Diverse Eco-Friendly Alternatives
MCC Committed to Eliminating Single-Use Plastic in the City
Chandigarh, August 23: To ensure the widespread availability of sustainable products at affordable prices and to encourage their adoption among merchants, residents, and vendors, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC) has inaugurated its second “PRARAMBH,” a unique store in the Tricity. Located within the premises of the Municipal Corporation, this dedicated establishment will serve as a beacon of sustainability, offering a wide range of environmentally conscious options.
City Mayor Sh. Kuldeep Kumar inaugurated the second “PRARAMBH” store, a one-stop shop for sustainable and eco-friendly products, within the Municipal Corporation premises in the presence of Deputy Mayor Sh. Rajinder Sharma, other councilors and senior officers of MCC. This initiative is part of the “Celebrating One Year of PRARAMBH; the One-Stop Store for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products, Empowering Communities in Line with RRR Principles” campaign and also prepares for the upcoming festivities. It aligns with MCC’s vision of creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier city under the Safai Apnao Bimaari Bhagao campaign.
Citizens can explore a diverse array of unique, socially, and environmentally responsible products, including incense sticks and cones made from floral waste, handmade candles, captivating wall paintings, and traditional Janmashtami hampers. In addition to these sustainable products, “PRARAMBH” also offers a variety of customized gifts and mementos, including paintings, hoops, resin flower preservation items, photo frames, rakhis, wall paintings, and crochet toys. These handcrafted items add a personal touch to special occasions while promoting the use of sustainable materials.
The Mayor expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, noting that the inauguration of the second ‘PRARAMBH’ store, coinciding with its first anniversary, marks a new era of environmental consciousness. It underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future. The MCC is also determined to attain top rank in Swachh Survekshan-2024, further emphasizing its dedication to cleanliness and sustainability. By providing a wide range of eco-friendly alternatives, the MCC is empowering the community to make environmentally conscious choices and contribute to a greener future for Chandigarh.
Mayor further highlighted that the PRARAMBH initiative, launched a year ago, aims to raise awareness about sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to commonly used products. By opting for these products, individuals can actively contribute to waste reduction and support a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.
He also mentioned that during the financial year 2023-24, MCC’s initiative of providing a prime shop in Sector-17 and festive stalls at prominent locations across the city has given self-help groups (SHGs) a platform to showcase their talents and achieve financial independence. The total sales from Prarambh stalls at various markets and cultural events citywide, such as the Rose Festival, Chrysanthemum Show, and Teej, have reached approximately Rs. 3.5 lakhs, while the dedicated store under the bridge near Smart City in Sector-17 has generated sales of around Rs. 80,474.
City Mayor emphasized that the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, in collaboration with the NULM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Urban Livelihoods Mission) and SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission) convergence, has successfully conceived and developed women-based social enterprises. This initiative has empowered urban underprivileged women and made significant contributions to sustainable development and environmental preservation. To empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs) run by the Area Level Federation (ALF), the MC Chandigarh allotted an un-auctioned shop in a prime location in Sector-17, Chandigarh. A total of 18 SHGs have collaborated with PRARAMBH, namely Arpan, Kumkum, Ruhan, Vani Candle, Jagriti, Megha, Rani Laxmi Bai, Shagun, Heena, Ritu, Abhilasha, Jagdamba, Rashmi, Veenu, Luxmi, Asha ki Kiran, Rehansh, and Rozy. The MC Chandigarh remains steadfast in its commitment to building a clean and sustainable city through initiatives and campaigns that promote environmental consciousness and encourage active citizen participation. This store not only offers sustainable products but also serves as an educational platform, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable living and inspiring individuals to adopt eco-friendly practices.
This visionary project owes its success to the collaborative efforts of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and local Self-Help Groups. By partnering with these groups, “PRARAMBH” not only champions sustainable practices but also empowers marginalized communities, fostering inclusivity and social cohesion.
The success of “PRARAMBH” serves as a foundation for future expansion, as the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh remains committed to opening additional sustainable product stores across the city. Through active engagement, impactful awareness campaigns, and robust collaborations with businesses and organizations, this initiative aims to create a thriving sustainable ecosystem that benefits all.
Citizens are encouraged to visit “PRARAMBH” at Shop No. 2, Sector 17, near the Smart City Office, Chandigarh, or Room No. 15, Ground Floor, Municipal Corporation Building, Sector 17, and join the MCC in the mission to create a sustainable and vibrant community.
