Delhi govt to install 5,000 water ATMs for affordable clean drinking water

In an effort to address the growing need for accessible and affordable drinking water, the Delhi government has announced plans to set up 5,000 water dispensing units, also known as water ATMs, across the city. This initiative, aimed at providing clean drinking water at reasonable prices, is set to be implemented under a public-private partnership model, officials revealed on Sunday.

The water ATMs will be strategically placed in market areas and localities that currently do not have access to piped water and are dependent on tanker services for their daily water needs. The government hopes that these units will provide a sustainable solution for residents in underserved areas, offering them a reliable and cost-effective means of obtaining clean drinking water.

Water ATMs have become a common feature in several cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), including Gurugram and Faridabad, where they have proven to be a popular and efficient way to deliver water to the public. In Delhi, similar facilities are already available in areas managed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), but this new initiative promises to expand access significantly across the city.

In 2023, the previous AAP government had announced a plan to install 500 water ATMs, focusing mainly on slum clusters. However, the project was not fully realised. Some reverse osmosis (RO) plants were installed in select areas such as Khajan Basti in Hari Nagar, Shakurbasti, Deshbandhu Apartments in Kalkaji, and Jharoda, but these efforts fell short of the broader goal.

Also Read: 500 ‘illegal’ dyeing units in Delhi drain groundwater, pollute Yamuna

With the new announcement, the Delhi government aims to ensure that access to clean water is no longer a privilege for a select few but a right for all residents, regardless of their locality. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for millions of Delhiites, especially those in areas where traditional water supply systems have been inadequate or nonexistent.

(With inputs from PTI)