Kolkata: The government’s decision to
deliver Gangajal through Indian Postal Services seems to be a hit already.
After the services were launched in
Patna on Monday, the initiative was kick started in other cities too. The
government’s scheme helps people get the holy water of Ganga from their nearest
stores.
The water brought from Gangotri and
Rishikesh, would also be delivered at the doorsteps of people at minimal
prices.
In Kolkata, 15 bottles of Gangajal vanished
in seconds on Sunday, the same happened on Monday too. The first batch of
bottles came from Rishikesh which is some 300km downstream.
Hundreds had gathered to buy Gangajal
at Jalpaiguri head post office, but the stock had run out. Speaking on
the issue, Swapan Garai, who serves as the Assistant Director (Business
Development), Department of Posts said, “The supply was meagre in Bengal. We
got only 280 bottles of 500ml and 245 bottles of 200ml for the entire state. We
could give only 50 bottles to the Midnapore head post office against the demand
of 500.”
The Gangajal from Rishikesh is priced
at Rs 15 and Rs 22 for 200ml and 500ml bottles. While, the Gangotri water is a
bit costlier at Rs 25 and Rs 35 for 200mil and 500ml bottles respectively.
Only four of the 46 head post offices
— Howrah, Midnapore, Tamluk and Siliguri — were chosen for the first Gangajal
consignment. With the demand for the water so high, many officials have no
idea about when the next batch of bottles would arrive.
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