The Chennai Metro Water Board is rolling out 50 free water ATMs across high-traffic areas of the city in its initial phase.
This commendable initiative aims to provide safe and purified drinking water to the public, with a particular focus on supporting daily wage workers and commuters who often face challenges in accessing affordable hydration. This move aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of creating inclusive, sustainable, and health-conscious urban environments. Under this first phase, these 50 state-of-the-art water vending machines are strategically slated for installation at key public locations across Chennai. These sites include popular beaches, serene parks, revered temples, bustling bus depots and terminals, and vibrant markets, ensuring widespread accessibility. Each water ATM will be robustly connected to a substantial 3,000-litre tank and the existing metro water network, guaranteeing a continuous and reliable supply of purified water. To maintain the highest standards of safety and hygiene, each installation will be comprehensively monitored by CCTV systems, ensuring public confidence in the quality and availability of water.
Users of these new facilities will have the convenience of accessing purified drinking water in varying quantities, ranging from a quick 150 ml to a more substantial 1 litre, catering to diverse needs. Preparatory work is already well underway in several zones across the city. For instance, the Teynampet and Kodambakkam zones have already meticulously shortlisted five to six sites each, while the Manali zone is also actively preparing for its deployment. Among the suggested and likely locations for these water ATMs are MMD Park in Mattur, Loop Road in Pattinapakkam, the iconic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, the busy Vadapalani Bus Stand, and the sprawling Koyambedu Market, all chosen for their high footfall and public utility. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is expected to formally inaugurate this vital project in the near future, marking a significant milestone in Chennai’s public service provision. Officials involved in the initiative have highlighted that while the project has been widely welcomed by the public, its long-term success and sustained impact will critically depend on diligent and regular maintenance. This acknowledgment underscores a commitment to not just implementing but also sustaining the initiative, ensuring that these public amenities remain fully functional and hygienic over time. Following this initial rollout, a second phase is already envisioned, which will see an additional 50 water ATMs installed across the city, further expanding the network of free, safe drinking water access.
This initiative is a proactive response to the increasing demand for clean drinking water in urban centres, especially for vulnerable populations who might otherwise rely on less regulated or costlier sources. By providing free access to purified water, the Chennai Metro Water Board is directly contributing to public health, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, and fostering a healthier urban population. Furthermore, by promoting refillable options, these water ATMs implicitly encourage a reduction in single-use plastic bottles, aligning with Chennai’s aspirations for a more eco-friendly and zero-carbon urban future. The project represents a significant leap towards making Chennai a more equitable and healthy city for all its inhabitants.
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