The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) today inaugurated a free-of-cost drinking water kiosk in the Lodhi area here.
The kiosk is part of a pilot project of the civic body that eventually seeks to provide free of cost drinking water facility in all areas falling under it.
"We formally inaugurated a small drinking water kiosk in Lodhi area today. It is a pilot project and we are executing it on a public-private-partnership basis," SDMC Mayor Sarita Choudhary told PTI.
The Mayor added that the idea was initiated in July last year, but the civic body was waiting for approval of the House and other formalities.
"Many agencies, including private companies, NGOs, market associations and religious associations had approached us with the concept of these 'PPP-pyaus'. The water is free for people and all that we are charging from the agencies is a nominal licence fee," Choudhary said.
She said if the idea works out to be a success, the corporation will implement it in all its areas.
"In the first phase we have targeted 70 spots, if the pilot is encouraging. But eventually, the idea is to implement it on a full-fledged basis," she said.
Talking about the spots, the Mayor said there were two categories-- public places and private places.
"For public places, we need to take no-objection certificates from other bodies like DDA, PWD, among others, under whose jurisdiction the spot falls," she said.
"It is a public-utility service and I am sure other bodies will not have problem giving the NOCs. People put earthen pitchers out of goodwill, a water cooler will surely be liked too," a senior SDMC official said.
The Mayor also said that a big private water cooler-making firm has shown interest in being part of the project.
