Aafrin Kidwai 
The ITC Grand Chola Hotel, Chennai was awarded the ‘Swachh Hotel’ award as part of Swachh Survekshan 2021 by the Greater Chennai Corporation, for its sustained initiatives in solid waste management.
“We wanted to recognise individuals and organisations that help us in our drive to minimise waste sent to landfills and create a sustainable solid waste management system,” said a Corporation official.
In a statement the civic body said several organisations, NGOs, restaurants, hospitals, markets, residents welfare organisations have contributed in their own way towards Corporation’s initiatives to create a clean city. On an average, around 5,000 metric tons of waste is collected in city daily.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Mr Zubin Songadwala, General Manager, ITC Grand Chola and Area Manager, ITC Hotels, South said, “We stopped using single-use plastic in our premises from January 2020 and produce our own water bottles in our plant which is then filled with purified water. As far as the amenities in the rooms go, we stopped using disposable plastic razors and toothbrushes and instead have turned to bamboo toothbrushes and razors with bamboo handles. Nothing on our takeaway menu comes in plastic packaging- it is either paper, cardboard, or corn starch packaging,” he added.
Picture Credit: ITC Hotels website
