Rain from Western Ghats, bottled for sale; Keralam firm eyes global market

A first-of-its-kind venture in India to bottle and market purified rainwater is taking shape at Kelakam in Kannur district. The project involves collecting rainwater in the forest areas of the Western Ghats before it touches the ground, purifying it through reverse osmosis (RO) and packaging it for sale.

The entrepreneurs behind the initiative claim that the company will be the world's second and Asia's first to bottle and market rainwater. Richards Rainwater in the US is said to be the first company to launch such a venture.

The project is being spearheaded by Kerala Rainwater Harvesting Private Limited, with Rijo Chacko as its managing director. Jason Joseph, Robin C Joy, Dibin C Benny and Benny C Mathew are the company's directors.

The bottled rainwater will be marketed under the brand name Pluvia, derived from the Latin word for rain.

The company plans to initially target overseas markets while making the product available in five major Indian cities. Sales will be focused on premium outlets, including airports, luxury hotels and large supermarkets.

Construction of the plant has been completed, paving the way for the launch of the venture.