State may enter mineral water trade

State may enter mineral water trade
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, JANUARY 1: Mineral water companies in the state may face strong competition soon.

The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), a state government undertaking engaged in water supply, is planning to enter the flourishing business of mineral water.

MJP has appointed the Maharashtra Industrial Technology and Consultancy Services (MITCON), a state government agnecy, to conduct a survey and submit a project report for its new venture, a top water supply department official said here today.

``MJP already has the infrastructure for setting up a mineral water plant. We can manufacture quality mineral water and sell at low prices compared to private manufacturers,''said a top official of the water supply department.

MJP is not the first government body to come up with the idea. Some months ago, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had mooted the idea of venturing into the mineral water business. The project was shelved for unknown reasons.

MJP, however, claims to be very serious about the project. ``We would not have to labour too hard behind this venture since we already have natural water sources,''the official said. ``Also, we can give a gurantee of pure natural water,'' he added.

The MJP is planning to set up small bottling units at different places in the state.

``Initially, we will start on a small scale and expand only after considering the response of the market and success of the project,''the official stated. The MJP, earlier known as Maharashtra Water Supply and Sewerage Board, has its own machinery all over the state and supplies water to most parts of the state.

The decision to step into the mineral water business was taken at meeting of the MJP held here last week.

MITCON is expected to submit the report in a couple of months, the official added. Asked whether the governmentcould successfully competein the business the official pointed out that the Dairy Development department had been successful with the sale of Aarey Milk in the city for several years. Besides, the MJP manufactured water would be available at almost half of the price of the top brands in the market currently. This will benefit the consumers, he explained.