Maruti Suzuki Inaugurates Another Water ATM

Clean drinking water is a basic human requirement. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to access even this basic human need, especially in non-urban areas of the country. Realizing this challenge, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. has been working to set up Water ATMs in its adopted villages in Haryana. The Company has designed a self-sustaining partnership model that provides clean drinking water to villagers at an affordable price.

Maruti Suzuki recently inaugurated its second water ATM in Kasan Village of Manesar, near Gurugam. The water ATM was presented to the community members by Lt. Gen. Dushyant Singh Chauhan, Senior Advisor (Vigilance), Maruti Suzuki in the presence of Village Panchayat and community elders. Inaugurating the facility, Lt. Gen. Dushyant Singh Chauhan, Senior Advisor (Vigilance), Maruti Suzuki said, “Partnership with the communities around our facilities is high on priority of Maruti Suzuki management. We are thankful to our community elders and well-wishers for their continued support for maintaining harmonious environment in the region for mutual benefits.”

The partnership model is such that the Company bears the initial cost of the water ATM and the Village Panchayat provides the land and the electricity to operate the facility. The plant has been set up and will be operated and maintained for at least 10 years by WaterLife India. This partnership ensures that villagers can access clean drinking water, meeting WHO and ISO 10500 standards, at 35 paisa/litre.

Sharing the success story of these Water ATMs, Mr. A K Tomer, Executive Director, Corporate Planning, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. said, “Access to clean drinking water is a critical need in our adopted villages, many of which have a high migrant population. They need a long term solution that provides clean drinking water, is self-sustaining and affordable. We have designed a solution around Water ATMs. The 10-stage UV filtration technology ensures that water meets WHO standards while retaining essential minerals. Water wastage is minimal – only 25% compared to conventional technologies. The response from the community is very positive and nearly 8,500 households are benefitting.”

11 water ATMs have so far been established by Maruti Suzuki in Haryana under this model since 2016. These are located in the villages adopted by Maruti Suzuki in the state. Prior to setting up the Water ATMs, the only available clean water in these villages was sold at a very high selling price by families with access to RO purifiers. These water ATMs have seen over 8,700 registrations till now and have dispensed around 5.5 lakh litres of clean drinking water till date.

Aradhana Sharma

Aradhana Sharma is an environmentalist and nature lover, and and takes keen interest in urging people to adopt an Eco-friendly lifestyle. She can be reached at aradhana.sharma@delhigreens.org

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