Kathmandu Metropolitan Concerned Over Misuse of Free Water ATM Booths

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has expressed concern over the growing misuse of its free Water ATM booths, despite the service benefiting many residents.

According to the metropolitan office, CCTV footage has shown people washing hands and faces at the booth in Mahabouddha, washing clothes at the booth in Khula Manch, and filling bottles with water for cooking purposes at the booth in Jamal.

In Ward No. 5, around 3,000 liters of water were depleted within just one and a half hours during Holi celebrations. An investigation later found that the water had been used for playing Holi.

Narendra Man Bajracharya clarified that the booths are intended solely to provide clean drinking water and are not meant for washing clothes or carrying water away in bulk.

The metropolitan office launched the project in collaboration with the Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board.

A total of eight Water ATM booths have been installed in areas including Khula Manch, Mahabouddha, Durbar High School premises, Rastriya Sabha Griha, Pradarshani Marg, Dhalko Chowk, Narade, Ward No. 26, and Ward No. 31.

According to the city office, the booths were built at a cost of NPR 26 million and include 3,000-liter storage capacity, modern filtration systems, 24-hour water supply, and CCTV monitoring.