MANISH RAJ
Deoghar, April 5: Water ATMs placed at Gandhi Chowk and court road, the two points of ministerial town Madhupur, have become showpieces.
Two years ago, both machines were purchased at Rs.10 lakh each. One could get cold drinking water from these ATMs by paying coins of denominations of 1, 2 and 5 like any other vending machine.
The water ATMs were a boon for the labour class and even the general public. But, hardly two months after their installation, both machines became inoperational due to the insensitive attitude of the contractor and local administration. No one came forward to repair the machines.
After the corona period has subsided, the economic activities in the town have increased and labourers from rural areas are coming to Madhupur in search of livelihood. Such poor fellows can be seen wandering from here to there in search of drinking water.
The mercury level in water is touching new heights every day in the district but alternative arrangements are yet to be placed by social workers.
The executive magistrate has said that the agency had been contacted to get the machines repaired. Although payment for installation had been done earlier, the common man is still thirsty.
