Shimla gets Himachal's first water-dispensing ATM

, July 28: Now, you can buy drinking water by using an ATM card in this

capital, the first in the state and perhaps in the country.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh Monday opened the innovative water dispensing system at the Ridge to provide clean water to tourists and locals.

The machine will dispense a litre of water for 50 paise.

"If this pilot project is a success, more water ATMs will be installed in the prominent tourist destinations of the state," Virbhadra Singh said.

Non-profit group Piramal Sarvajal has put up the water vending machine, which can also be operated through prepaid cards.

"The ATM will operate round the clock and water will cost 50 paise per litre," the foundation said.

The group added it is extremely simple to use, as like any usual ATM, the customer swipes a prepaid card and chooses the amount of water he wishes to buy.

Similar machines will be installed at Shimla's old bus stand and Vikasnagar locality, Dharamsala and Mandi towns and at the famous Hindu shrine of Chintpurni in Una district under the build-operate-maintain-manage basis.

IANS