As Delhi continues to battle soaring temperatures, getting access to clean drinking water has become a daily challenge for thousands of people on the move. In a welcome move, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that drinking water will be available free of cost at all its water ATMs across the city from June 2.
The decision was announced by NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal, after he personally inspected several water ATM facilities across the NDMC area on Monday. The review focused on water availability, machine functionality, cleanliness and overall service quality.
With temperatures frequently crossing the 40-degree Celsius mark, dehydration and heat-related illnesses are a growing concern. From office-goers and tourists to street vendors, delivery workers and daily commuters, thousands rely on public drinking water facilities every day.
Until now, 23 water ATMs charged Re 1 for a 300 ml serving, while 15 already offered water free of cost. Starting Tuesday, every one of the 38 operational water ATMs in the NDMC area will provide chilled drinking water completely free.
“People should have easy access to safe drinking water during this peak summer season," Chahal said while announcing the initiative.
The civic body also inaugurated a new water ATM at Nehru Park, one of Delhi’s most visited green spaces. The facility is expected to benefit morning walkers, joggers, tourists and visitors who frequent the park throughout the day.
With the addition of the new unit, the total number of operational water ATMs in the NDMC area has now reached 38.
The water ATM project was launched under the Smart City Mission in 2018-19, with the aim of making safe and affordable drinking water available at public locations.
Initially developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project covered the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the facilities. After the maintenance contract ended, NDMC’s Water Supply Department took over operations and now manages all water ATMs directly.
The initiative is also helping reduce plastic waste. Instead of purchasing bottled water, citizens can refill their own bottles or use eco-friendly paper cups available at the facilities.
According to NDMC officials, the project supports both public health and environmental sustainability by encouraging reusable containers and reducing dependence on single-use plastic bottles.
As Delhi braces for more hot days ahead, free access to drinking water could provide much-needed relief for residents and visitors alike. The latest move reflects NDMC’s effort to make public services more citizen-friendly while ensuring that basic necessities remain accessible during extreme weather conditions.
For anyone walking through central Delhi this summer, a glass of chilled water may now be just a few steps away and completely free.
