Kerala government's bottled water success story

One of the most successful initiatives of the Water Resources Department is the 'Hilly Aqua' bottled water. The basis of the success of this bottled water initiative is the distribution of clean drinking water at a reasonable price. The water is bottled after completing the purification process prescribed by BIS. People accept it with confidence because of this. The maximum retail price is Rs. 10 for a half-litre bottle, Rs. 15 for a litre, Rs. 28 for a two-litre, and Rs. 60 for a five-litre. One litre of bottled water is available for Rs. 10 at food outlets attached to the jail and ration shops. Apart from this, 'Hilly Aqua' is available at railway stations, KSRTC depots, Consumerfed stores, and outlets of some government institutions. There are those who think that a Malayali name could have been given to this product. However, this name will not be without benefit when the sales are expanded to other states and foreign countries in the future.

Kerala Kaumudi had published a special story about the government's decision to double the production of Hilly Aqua in view of the increased demand for bottled water. New plants will be set up in Kozhikode and Aluva for this purpose. A plant will be set up in Aluva to produce 20-litre jars. The plant will be set up by renovating an old building of the Water Resources Department here. It will start operating within five months. The plan is to lease a building site in Kozhikode and set up a plant. Currently, there are bottled water manufacturing plants in Thodupuzha and Aruvikkara. Steps are being taken to double the production in Thodupuzha and Aruvikkara from 4800 and 3200 cases respectively.

It is no small feat that a government project succeeded in the bottled water sector, where private giants are roaming. Minister Roshy Augustine and other employees who are leading this deserve praise. The basis of the success formula is providing clean water at a low price. The turnover of Hilly Aqua Company in the 2024-25 financial year was Rs 11.4 crore. Last financial year, it was Rs 8.75 crore. The company has achieved a growth of thirty percent in a year. If the success continues, there are plans to enter the soft drink sector as well. If the Water Resources Department works with dedication and sincerity, it can be expected that it will be able to fly the victory flag in the soft drink sector as well just as in the bottled water sector. In the future, government departments should solve the financial crisis of the state by running such businesses successfully.