Dysfunctional for over a year, water ATMs start functioning at Heritage Street again

The Amritsar Municipal Corporation has finally restored the long-defunct water ATMs installed along the Heritage Street leading to the Golden Temple. These machines, set up under the Smart City project, had been lying non-functional for over a year, causing inconvenience to visitors. As of now, seven water ATMs have been made operational, while the work of reviving three more is in progress.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, who has been actively monitoring the Heritage Stage regularly, stated that the repair work of water ATMs is part of broader improvement efforts initiated under the road adoption proposal suggested by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The proposal aims to ensure cleaner, safer and obstruction-free roads through coordinated action between various departments.

During her latest inspection of the Heritage Street, Sakshi Sawhney noted a significant improvement in sanitation levels, attributing it to consistent efforts of MC staff. She emphasized that the functioning of water ATMs will offer a relief to thousands of visitors who walk this stretch daily.

In a special review meeting held today, the DC discussed inspection reports from across city roads with officials from multiple departments. Thanking the public for their active feedback, collected via Google forms, she highlighted that hundreds of citizens participated and shared suggestions, which are now guiding priority actions.

She directed officials to prioritise drainage of stagnant rainwater from roads, operationalise non-functioning streetlights and address blocked sewerage manholes, especially during this monsoon. Emphasising public safety, she ordered the immediate removal of fallen trees and unauthorised street encroachments obstructing pedestrian pathways and traffic movement.

Officials were also instructed to trim overhanging branches affecting visibility and smooth traffic flow.