Industrial Trip to Nestlé by Aprotim Paul

Over the last few months, we had been theorising about all sorts of water-related topics for the SJWPBD competition. Truth be told: a water treatment project is relatively simpler to visualise if you just want to do it theoretically. However, it is difficult to account for real-world minute issues while theoretically proposing a methodology for water treatment, without having a proper practical visualisation of real world application of water management , as we had to do. On July 27th, it was finally the day - when we were supposed to visit the factory of one of the world's largest conglomerates, Nestlé, arranged by SJWPBD and House of Volunteers to gain a better understanding of how a real-world water management system works. It was probably 7:08 a.m. when I arrived at the University of Dhaka campus with my teammate Rikthi. As we walked up to the place, we noticed some of the volunteers were already there. Other participants, such as Arisha, Nafiz, Shegufta, Raisa, Sumya, and others, gradually joined in within a while. We took our seats and commenced our journey at around 8:10 a.m. What started as a sort of "industrial-tour-for-practical-experience" quickly turned into a more joyful trip, complete with that exquisite picnic vibe. We all sang, boomed "Yellow"on the bus, and had a good discussion about what we would be expecting in the plant. And after a 2 hours of bumpy ride, we finally entered Nestlé's gates. Following the initial introduction and refreshment, we were presented with a comprehensive introduction of the entire facility, its employees, the industrial processes it utilises, and the policies it has implemented that are in alignment with the ones Nestlé has decided touphold globally as a part of their climate consciousness. It was now our turn to go to the production lines. For obvious reasons, we were asked to put on PPE and other protective gears as specified by the company in order to ensure safety. We examined the entire supply chain of goods, beginning with how raw goods are collected, tested, transformed into consumer items, quality assurances, and finally packaging. After visiting the production line, it was time to see what we originally came here for: an actual water management system of an industry. We were amazed by the company's investment in its water management sector. Taking waste water, treating it on multiple levels, and reusing it in washrooms and other places impressed us. They even stated that they were very close to achieving their objectives regarding water usage within a few years. After visiting the facility, we had that visualisation of how a real water management system actually works, and how we need to take into account the simplest and minutest of the factors into consideration, thanks to the amazing coordination and explanations of the plant officials and in charges. It definitely changed our perspective on how big corporations nowadays are becoming more conscious of conserving natural resources, as well as the overall climatic balance and parameters of the area in which they operate. After having lunch with the entire team, it was time for us to return to the city. Honestly, it couldn't have been a better day out in the open with like-minded people. Thanks to Nestlé and all the people associated for arranging this for us. Instead of just an ordinary industrial trip; it turned into an amazing day out, and it would be unfair not to acknowledge all the bhaiyas and apus of HOV, who tirelessly supported and ensured that we had such an amazing day. For some of us, I believe this trip will serve as an exordium to something much bigger in the days to come!Writer: Aprotim Paul