Kolkata: With the city reeling under intense heat, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) installed 24 additional water ATMs at different bus stops across New Town for providing free access to drinking water to residents and commuters.
Earlier, there were a few water ATMs in New Town, but the bus stops had none.
These easy-to-use facilities have been made available at bus stops near the First Rotary, Akhansha More, Eco Park Gate No.1, Mothers Wax Museum, Techno India college, New Town police station, Unitech Gate No.1, Westin Hotel, Owl More, Mishti Hub, St Xaviers’ University, Subhas Chandra Bose Hotel Management College, Arts Acre, Sukhobristi, Rosedale crossing and COCO petrol pump.There are a total of 41 bus stops in New Town.
“Apart from water ATMs, drinking water facilities have also been set up at all community markets in the township,” said an official.
NKDA had previously set up a few such ATMs some years back as part of its smart city project.
The move has been welcomed by residents and visitors alike. In Salt Lake off EM Bypass, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) ward 38 authorities are distributing drinking water and juice among commuters daily.
“This will continue till the unbearable heat subsides. We are providing water, juice and ‘sharbat’ to the passersby and commuters on the road,” said a ward committee member.