A large-scale arrangement for clean and pure drinking water has been made for millions of pilgrims coming from across the country and abroad at the Mahakumbh 2015, in Prayagraj. A total of 233 Water ATMs have been installed in the Mela area, which are operational 24 hours a day without any interruptions. Through these Water ATMs, pilgrims are receiving pure RO (Reverse Osmosis) water daily. According to official data, more than 40 lakh pilgrims have benefited from these Water ATMs between January 21, 2025, and February 1, 2025.

To ensure convenience of pilgrims, the administration has ensured free distribution of drinking water through these Water ATMs. Initially, this service was available at a rate of ₹1 per liter, where pilgrims could either insert coins or use UPI scanning to pay for the RO water. However, this service has now been made completely free to ensure that pilgrims can access clean water without any difficulty. An operator is stationed at each Water ATM, who ensures that pure water is made available as soon as pilgrims press the button. This ensures that pilgrims have no trouble in obtaining water and that the water supply continues without interruption.

The Water ATMs installed at the Maha Kumbh are equipped with modern technology, which ensures that their operation remains fully automated and smooth. These machines have a sensor-based monitoring system that detects any technical flaws immediately. If any technical issues arise, water corporation technicians quickly fix them, ensuring uninterrupted water supply to pilgrims. Given the large number of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh, each Water ATM is supplying 12,000 to 15,000 liters of RO water daily. All Water ATMs are equipped with SIM-based technology, keeping them connected to the administration's central network.

This technology enables continuous monitoring of total water consumption, water level management, water quality, and distribution volume. Every time a pilgrim uses the Water ATM, one liter of pure water is dispensed, which they can fill in a bottle placed under the spout. In past Kumbh events, the problem of plastic bottles and other waste around the Sangam and other ghats had worsened. This time, the administration has not only made arrangements for clean water supply but has also focused on environmental protection.

The Mahakumbh administration has ensured that the Water ATMs will operate without any interruption throughout the event. Special technical teams have been formed to deal with any issues and to regularly monitor the Water ATMs. Moreover, the administration is considering further similar initiatives to ensure that pilgrims at future Kumbh and other religious events can easily access clean drinking water. This initiative has made the Maha Kumbh 2025 event more convenient, safe, and environmentally friendly, setting a historic and exemplary standard for future events.

*****

AD/VM