In response to the severe heatwave, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) has installed 24 new water ATMs at various bus stops throughout New Town to ensure residents and commuters have free access to drinking water.
Previously, while some water ATMs existed in New Town, none were at bus stops. The newly installed water ATMs are conveniently positioned near landmarks such as 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 Xavier’s University, Subhas Chandra Bose Hotel Management College, Arts Acre, Sukhobristi, Rosedale crossing, and the COCO petrol pump. New Town features a total of 41 bus stops. An official noted that drinking water facilities have also been set up at all community markets in the township.
These installations build on NKDA’s earlier efforts as part of its smart city project, earning praise from residents and visitors. Meanwhile, in Salt Lake near EM Bypass, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) ward 38 distributes water and juice to daily commuters. It will continue to do so until the intense heat abates. “We are providing water, juice, and ‘sharbat’ to passersby and commuters,” a ward committee member mentioned.
