Parvesh inaugurates free water ATM in Daryaganj

In order to strengthen Delhi’s response to extreme heat conditions, Public Works Department (PWD) and Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Wednesday inaugurated a new free water ATM at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Daryaganj.

The initiative is part of the Delhi Government’s Heat Action Plan 2025 aimed at providing safe, clean and chilled drinking water to citizens, especially students and vulnerable populations.

The newly installed “free water ATM” unit is expected to benefit hundreds of schoolchildren and local residents daily. Addressing the gathering, Verma said the government had set a target of installing over 1,000 such water ATMs across the Capital by next year. “These units will provide fresh and chilled water to 8 to 10 lakh people every day,” he said.

Calling the initiative a “life-saving public service,” the minister said, “This is not just about water. It’s about dignity, health and public service.”

Equipped with advanced filtration and temperature control systems, the water ATMs are being deployed in schools, marketplaces, and high-footfall public areas. Officials said they are designed to be energy-efficient and capable of handling high demand during peak heat periods.

The Daryaganj inauguration follows similar installations at key locations, including Kashmere Gate ISBT, ensuring relief to travellers commuting long distances, Shalimar Bagh - covering schools and nearby markets and the Delhi Secretariat - supporting hundreds of government employees and daily visitors. These have been well-received by commuters, students and government employees.

Reiterating the government’s focus on building a heat-resilient and hydration-secure Capital, Verma said, “No one in Delhi should go thirsty, especially in the harsh summer. Our government is fully committed to ensuring basic civic amenities for all.”