Avinash Shahi & Roni Antony
Port Blair, Feb 21: The first water ATM of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, installed by Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) in Port Blair city, has been vandalized by miscreants within three weeks of inauguration.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands had inaugurated first Water ATM in Port Blair city on 30th January, 2019 in front of PBMC Head Quarter premises.
This water ATM used to dispense safe and clean drinking water at a nominal price of Rs. 1 & 5/- for 300 ml. and one litre respectively.
As per reports some miscreants had entered inside water ATM at night hours and damaged the machine and also tried to bring out coins from the machine.
When contacted the Chairperson of PBMC, Mrs. Anusia Devi told Andaman Sheekha that PBMC is aware of this vandalism and PBMC has decided to install CCTV inside the Water ATM and also in all other water ATM, which will be installed in future.
“Public must realize that this ATM is not only a government property but also their property and utilize this facility with responsibility,” the Chairperson added.
The Secretary of PBMC Mr. Suneel Anchipaka had earlier told Andaman Sheekha that PBMC will be installing 26 similar water ATMs across Port Blair city to provide clean water at affordable cost and also to reduce use of plastic bottles.
