In a pioneering move to tackle water scarcity and provide equitable access to clean drinking water, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched Delhi’s first ‘water ATM’ initiative. The primary objective is to offer clean drinking water in areas lacking piped supply and reduce reliance on water tankers. With this new project, the Delhi government aims to ensure that underprivileged sections of society have access to the same quality of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water that has been traditionally available to more affluent segments.
The ambitious plan involves installing 500 RO plants, each equipped with “water ATM machines,” in areas facing inadequate piped water supply. The initiative, spearheaded by the Delhi Jal Board and supported by Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, aims to provide free and safe drinking water to residents in these regions.
The strategic placement of these 500 RO plants, boasting a capacity of 30,000 liters each, will depend on the availability of tubewells. The government will appoint personnel to operate these plants on government-provided land, with the Delhi Jal Board covering the cost of ₹10 lakh per plant.
Beneficiaries of this scheme will receive RFID cards from the DJB, enabling them to access their daily free water quota. With the RFID card, individuals can obtain 20 liters of water daily at no cost. However, any usage exceeding this limit will be subject to a charge of 8 paise per liter.
This visionary project marks a significant step towards providing a reliable and sustainable water supply to marginalized communities in Delhi, enhancing their overall quality of life.