Jamshedpur: During the summer months of April and May, when people at bus stands, markets, and major intersections needed affordable and clean drinking water the most, the Water ATM project remained stuck in paperwork and procedural delays. Now, with the monsoon on the horizon, the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) has taken steps to launch the initiative.The first Water ATM is being installed at the JNAC office, where people can obtain one litre of chilled and purified drinking water for just Rs 1. JNAC plans to install similar machines at 10 key locations across the city.The initiative aims to provide safe drinking water at a minimal cost to commuters, daily wage workers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and the general public.The people can get the water by making payment through coin or UPI besides users can insert a Rs 1 coin into the machine or scan the QR code displayed on the screen to make payment through UPI.After payment confirmation, the screen will display options for 1 litre, 5 litres, or 20 litres of water. Users can choose the quantity according to their requirement.Once the quantity is selected, the machine’s processor activates and opens the internal solenoid valve. Sensors monitor the dispensing process and automatically shut the valve once the selected quantity has been delivered.According to officials, Water ATMs will be installed at Kadma Ramnagar Chowk, Kadma Market, Shastrinagar Park, Sonari Domuhani, Near JP Setu (Mango bridge), Bhuiyadih Long Distance Bus Terminus, Tinplate Chowk, Jemco Chowk, Birsanagar Sunday Market besides JNAC Office.“The project is being implemented at 10 major and busy locations across the city to ensure easy access to affordable and safe drinking water for residents and visitors,” said JNAC deputy town commissioner, Krishna Kumar to the media.In April, DC Rajiv Ranjan had directed municipal officials to place water-filled clay pots in public areas within 48 hours.Besides direction were given to locate public spots and ensure water ATMs are installed and operational within a week.
