Tura, June 21: In a boost to rural enterprise and sustainable development, Garo Hills’ first 20-litre water bottling unit under the brand name ‘Nokrek Chi’ was inaugurated on Saturday at Sakal Aduma village, West Garo Hills.
Set up by Benitha Food and Beverages, the plant uses natural stream overflow from Nokrek Peak, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the highest point in the Garo Hills, as its water source. The facility is gravity-fed—requiring no electric pumps—and is expected to deliver clean drinking water while creating local employment.
The inaugural ceremony drew over 150 attendees, including Sengchang T. Sangma, Functional Manager of DCIC Tura, as Chief Guest, and Nokma Denithson R. Marak as guest of honour. Also present were Pastor Abhik D. Arengh, Father Bartholomeo Marak of Rongkhon Parish, and Laren Pangkam D. Arengh, District Officer of Soil and Water Conservation, North Garo Hills.
Sengchang T. Sangma said this unit is a timely and necessary step, as most 20-litre water jars currently come from outside the state.
“‘Nokrek Chi’ will not only cut that dependency but also generate employment and offer safe, clean water locally. I hope the enterprise expands beyond Garo Hills in the future” he said.
The brand name combines “Nokrek”—a tribute to the sacred mountain—and “Chi,” the Garo word for water. The plant includes advanced filtration to remove microscopic sediment, ensuring quality and safety.
Mrs. Tengchi M.D. Arengh, proprietor of Benitha Food and Beverages, said the plant currently bottles only in 20-litre jars to reduce single-use plastic waste.
“We may consider glass bottles in future, depending on feasibility. This initiative was inspired by my visits to Nokrek, where the water always tasted incredibly fresh. I wanted to share that experience with the rest of Garo Hills” she said.
Co-proprietor Mrs. Benitha G. Momin highlighted the plant’s employment potential. “Many young people here were educated but unemployed. We’ve hired six locals from Sakala Aduma. That’s just the beginning” she said.
Plant manager Benitho Sangma noted that the inspiration also stemmed from dissatisfaction with the quality of water in many bottled brands.
“We saw that people were using substandard bottled water during social events. We wanted to change that and give them a healthier, homegrown choice” he said.
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