Thodupuzha: Government bottled water company Hilly Aqua is preparing to set up water ATMs in crowded places. The aim is to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Water will be available at a lower cost than bottled water.

A machine will be set up where the required amount of water will be available by scanning a QR code and making a payment. Customers must bring a container to collect the water.

Initial rollout in tourist spots

In the first phase, water ATMs will be installed in tourist destinations including Munnar and Thekkady, and in medical colleges. Later, it will be expanded to more places. The study for the project has been completed. It is estimated that it will benefit both the people and the company. Final approval is expected to be received at the next board of directors meeting of the company.

Discussions are underway to build the ATM. Tenders will be called soon. The first ATM will be operational within three months. The ATMs will be filled with clean water from the company’s Thodupuzha Malankara and Thiruvananthapuram Aruvikkara plants. Water will be transported in large jars to the centres. When the QR code is scanned and the payment is made, water will be automatically dispensed from the machine.

Dealers will also be appointed to maintain the ATMs. People drink water in tourist areas and throw away bottles carelessly. This will be reduced with the installation of water ATMs. Hilly Aqua operates under the control of the Irrigation Department. A litre of bottled water costs only Rs 15. At Supplyco, ration shops, jail outlets, and medical colleges, you only have to pay Rs 10 per litre.