Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Launches Water ATM Project to Ensure Clean Drinking Water, Raises Infrastructure Charges

Politics Politics of India

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-09 08:58:57 |

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Delhi’s newly appointed Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, has launched a large-scale initiative aimed at improving access to clean drinking water across the capital. Under this new scheme, the government will install 5,000 water ATMs throughout the city, making safe drinking water available to residents at affordable rates. The project will be executed through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model to ensure efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Phase-Wise Implementation in High-Demand Areas

In the first phase of the project, water ATMs will be installed in densely populated markets and commercial areas, where the demand for clean water is high. Eventually, the installation will expand to neighborhoods lacking piped water infrastructure, helping reduce dependence on water tankers in underserved regions. Water Minister Pravesh Verma also mentioned the government’s intent to incorporate plastic bottle return and recycling features into these machines, promoting environmental consciousness and reducing plastic waste in the city.

Community Participation Key to the Plan

To ensure proper monitoring and prevent vandalism, the government plans to involve Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and local market bodies in maintaining the water ATMs. This collaboration is expected to create a sense of community ownership and enhance the safety and longevity of the infrastructure. However, final pricing for water access through these ATMs has not yet been announced.

Delhi Jal Board Revises Infrastructure Charges

Alongside this water initiative, the Delhi Jal Board has increased infrastructure charges for new water and sewer connections, effective from April 1st. The water connection charge has been raised from ₹243.11 to ₹255.27 per square foot, while sewer charges have gone up from ₹145.87 to ₹153.16 per square foot. The BJP government cited rising costs and infrastructure needs as reasons for the hike.

Building on Previous Efforts

Interestingly, this initiative mirrors an earlier attempt by the Aam Aadmi Party government, which began installing water ATMs in July 2024. However, only four ATMs were set up in slum areas, and 2,500 smart cards were issued, allowing users to access up to 20 litres per day. The current administration aims to significantly expand the scale and impact of that earlier initiative.

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