It was the year 2017 when the GHMC launched the rather prestigious scheme of water ATMs. The whole idea was to provide a clean glass of clean water for Rs 1 and a liter of water for Rs 2 at these public ATMs. But four years down the line, the reality is that there is not a drop of water at these ATMs, and the rooms built for the purpose are now lying dilapidated and have become an eyesore to visitors to the city.
The GHMC set up these water ATMs in collaboration with Josab International AB (Stockholm) and Natures Spring Eco Tap Private Limited. However, the kiosks are far from functioning today, and passers-by say that the kiosks serve no purpose and need to be brought down.
At the time of launch, the officials assured that the kiosks would provide clean, RO water for people in public places. Today, those living near the kiosks say that no matter what you do, even a drop of water does not get dispensed from these kiosks.
The condition of water ATMs at Ameerpet, Yousufguda, NTR Marg Road, Musheerabad, Indira Park, Raj Bhavan Road, Nampally, Koti, Putlibowli, Madhapur, and other places is the same. All one gets to see are broken taps, outlet pipes, and broken coin slots.
Though the GHMC planned to open 300 more such ATMs in the past, it has now dropped the idea indefinitely. Each existing kiosk is fitted with a water treatment unit that purifies water supplied by the Water Board. The two agencies that helped in setting up the kiosks are said to be responsible for the upkeep of the ATMs along with GHMC.On their part, the GHMC officials are equally clueless about what will happen to water ATMs in the coming days.