The Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) has initiated the installation of Water ATMs across the city, with the first unit being set up at the JNAC office. The facility will provide chilled and purified drinking water at an affordable rate, allowing users to obtain one litre of water for one rupee per bottle. The civic body plans to install a total of 10 Water ATMs at prominent locations across the city to provide safe drinking water to commuters, daily wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and other members of the public.
The project, which was proposed before the onset of the summer season, is now being rolled out across identified locations. During April, Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan had directed municipal officials to place water-filled earthen pots at public places and expedite the installation of Water ATMs to help residents cope with the intense heat. The machines are equipped with both coin-operated and digital payment systems. Users can either insert a Re 1 coin or scan a QR code to make payments through UPI.
After payment, the machine offers options to dispense 1 litre, 5 litres, or 20 litres of water according to the user’s requirement. Once a quantity is selected, the machine activates an internal dispensing mechanism. Built-in sensors continuously monitor the flow and automatically stop the supply once the selected quantity has been delivered, ensuring accurate dispensing and preventing wastage. According to officials, Water ATMs will be installed at Kadma Ramnagar Chowk, Kadma Market, and Shastrinagar Park.
Units will also be placed at Sonari Domuhani, near JP Setu (Mango Bridge), Bhuiyadih Long Distance Bus Terminus, Tinplate Chowk, Jemco Chowk, Birsanagar Sunday Market, and the JNAC office. “The Water ATM 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 Krishna Kumar, Deputy Town Commissioner of JNAC. Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving access to clean drinking water at public places with high footfall.
