Chennai: Tambaram Corporation has accelerated its plan to install water ATMs across its limits to provide round-the-clock access to safe drinking water. As part of the first phase, 25 locations have been identified, with the project estimated to cost ₹4 crore.
Project Details and Timeline
The civic body announced the project two months ago, and officials said the installations are now being fast-tracked to address the growing gap in water supply. Tambaram currently requires around 130 million litres per day (MLD) of drinking water but faces a shortfall of nearly 45 MLD. While areas such as Chromepet and Pallavaram have piped water supply, several other localities depend heavily on private water tankers. Officials said the proposed water ATMs will help bridge this gap, especially in areas facing frequent shortages.
Commissioner's Statement
Tambaram Corporation commissioner S Balachander said the initiative is aimed at providing affordable and purified drinking water to residents. “The water ATMs will be connected to the ring main pipeline once supply from Perur desalination plant begins. Until then, water will be supplied through lorries and overhead tanks,” he said.
Installation Locations and Monitoring
According to officials, 15 water ATMs will be installed inside parks, with three units planned in each zone. The remaining 10 units will be set up at bus stops and market areas to improve access for commuters and the public. The facilities will be linked to the integrated command and control centre (ICCC), which will monitor water levels and alert engineers when refilling is required. The machines will be equipped with purification systems and monitored round the clock using CCTV surveillance. Residents will be able to collect either one litre or five litres of water, depending on their requirement.
Resident Concerns and Suggestions
Residents have welcomed the move but raised concerns about maintenance and accessibility. M Gandhi, president of the Pallavaram Residents Welfare Association, said many existing water ATMs are often non-functional due to poor upkeep. He also said five litres may not be sufficient for families and that some areas lack easily accessible public points. Sethu Madhavan, a social activist and a resident of Chromepet, said, “It is a welcome move by the corporation; however, instead of setting up in random places, the corporation must have them at key bus stops such as East Tambaram, Hasthinapuram and Chromepet. It will be beneficial for commuters and pedestrians.”
