Unique Initiative ‘Garbage Cafe’ to Exchange Plastic Waste for Food Receives National Recognition

Raipur, October 26

The mention of Chhattisgarh’s innovations and the resolve for Maoism eradication in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program is a matter of pride for the people of the state. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai regarded the special mention of Ambikapur’s ‘Garbage Cafe’ and the achievement of Indian-breed dogs by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as an honor for the entire state. The Chief Minister listened to the 127th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at Shanti Nagar, Raipur, today.
Extending his greetings for the Chhath festival, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a special platform that connects innovative, inspiring, and public-welfare works happening across the country, giving national recognition to efforts that bring positive change to society. He stated that the mention of Chhattisgarh in the program is a matter of pride for every citizen.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised the unique initiative of the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation, the ‘Garbage Cafe,’ which has set an example toward a plastic-free city. Here, food is provided to those who deposit plastic waste—this initiative has become a wonderful example of cleanliness, recycling, and social sensitivity. A unique initiative has been taken in Ambikapur to clean up plastic waste from the city. Garbage Cafes are being run in Ambikapur. These are cafes where those who bring plastic waste are given a full meal. If a person brings one kilogram of plastic, they get lunch or dinner, and if someone brings half a kilogram of plastic, they get breakfast. These cafes are run by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Prime Minister mentioned the increased festive cheer, the Chhath festival as a symbol of social unity, and the spirit of an India moving forward with new self-confidence. He expressed pride in the shrinking impact of Maoist activities. Significant results in the direction of peace and security are being achieved in the country through the strong resolve of the Double Engine government. He said that through the Niyad Nellanar Yojana (a local initiative), basic facilities are now reaching even the remotest villages.
The Chief Minister said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ has filled every Indian with pride. This time, lamps of happiness have been lit even in those areas where the darkness of Maoist terror once prevailed. He said that people want the root eradication of the Maoist terror that had endangered the future of their children.
Shri Sai further said that the Prime Minister also praised the decision to include Indian-breed dogs in the security agencies. Giving an example, he said that an indigenous dog in the Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh saved the lives of security personnel by detecting 8 kilograms of explosives. This proves that Indian-breed dogs are more adaptable, efficient, and reliable.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also laid special emphasis on nature conservation, urging all citizens to plant trees and appealing to them to join the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign. He stressed the need to advance environmental innovations as a people’s movement.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Prime Minister called for celebrating the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ as a festival. Describing it as an immortal expression of patriotism, he appealed to every citizen to spontaneously participate in honoring its glory. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remembered Lord Birsa Munda and paid tribute to his supreme contribution to tribal rights and the freedom struggle. He said that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) is a day to express gratitude to those great public leaders who sacrificed everything for the country’s freedom and honor.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Prime Minister has appealed to the countrymen to share the innovations and positive efforts happening around them so that others can be inspired and contribute to the welfare of society.
Chief Minister Feeds Punganur Cows
After the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai fed fodder to the Punganur breed of cows and inquired about their characteristics. It is notable that this special breed, found in Andhra Pradesh, is famous for its unique physique and distinct qualities.
The program was also attended by MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Shri Rajiv Agrawal, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Mati Kala Board Shri Shambhunath Chakravarti, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Minority Commission Shri Amarjeet Chhabra, and many other public representatives.