Prayagraj: The divine and grand celebration of the Maha Kumbh is in full swing in Prayagraj, attracting millions of devotees from across the country to take a holy dip at the Sangam. Over 10 crore devotees have already participated in the sacred event. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the fair administration, along with various departments, is ensuring that all necessary facilities are provided to the pilgrims. As part of these efforts, the UP Jal Nigam Nagariya has installed 200 Water ATMs across the fairground to provide clean RO water to the devotees.
200 Water ATMs Supplying 12,000–15,000 Liters of Water Daily
The Water ATMs are strategically placed across the Kumbh Mela area, especially near different sectors and temples, ensuring easy access for devotees. These ATMs are dispensing purified RO water completely free of charge. According to Satish Kumar, Executive Engineer of UP Jal Nigam Nagariya, the technical issues faced initially have been resolved, and now pilgrims can easily get clean RO water by simply pressing a button.
Each Water ATM is operated by a designated technician or operator, ensuring smooth functioning. The system is capable of dispensing 12,000–15,000 liters of water daily, catering to the vast number of devotees visiting the Mela every day. So far, millions of pilgrims have benefited from this facility.
Sensor-Based Monitoring for Efficient Operations
To ensure uninterrupted service, the Water ATMs are equipped with sensor-based monitoring systems. These systems immediately flag any technical glitches, allowing technicians to address the issue promptly. This advanced setup guarantees the availability of clean drinking water without any significant downtime.
Special Preparations for Mauni Amavasya
On Makar Sankranti (January 14), approximately 46,000 liters of water were dispensed through the Water ATMs, catering to the massive influx of pilgrims. Similar arrangements have been made for Mauni Amavasya, which is expected to witness the largest gathering of the event, with around 10 crore devotees anticipated to visit. The Jal Nigam has ensured that no one faces a shortage of drinking water on this auspicious day.
Free RO Water for All Pilgrims
Initially, the administration had set a nominal fee of ₹1 for water from the ATMs. However, recognizing the need to make this essential service more accessible, the administration decided to provide the water entirely free of cost. This initiative has been widely appreciated, as it ensures that pilgrims have access to clean drinking water throughout the Mela.
The installation of Water ATMs and the provision of free RO water reflect the administration’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for millions of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. The innovative use of technology and meticulous planning highlight the scale of efforts being undertaken to uphold the sanctity and success of this mega event.
