Water ATM venture brings low-cost drinking water to Ghaziabad

In Ghaziabad district, a small automated water dispensing unit quietly supplies purified drinking water to local residents at a modest price. Operated by Ajay Kumar under his firm Avika Beverages, the unit functions as an Reverse Osmosis (RO) water ATM where people can collect 20 litres of purified water by inserting a coin.

Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad district, set up the unit after taking a loan through the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA) Yojana. The system is designed as an automatic dispensing machine connected to a purification plant, allowing people to access drinking water at any time of the day.

At the facility, groundwater drawn from a borewell is first stored and then processed through a reverse osmosis purification plant. The purified water is transferred to a storage tank and connected to the outdoor dispensing machine. Customers can approach the unit, insert a coin, and collect a fixed quantity of purified water.

From engineering training to a local water solution

Before starting the venture, Kumar studied civil engineering and completed an apprenticeship training with the Airport Authority of India. During his daily commute, he began noticing small water dispensing machines installed at metro stations. These machines typically dispensed water in small quantities at relatively higher prices.

Observing this, Kumar began thinking about how such a system could be adapted for neighbourhood use and larger quantities. The idea gradually evolved into establishing a community-level water dispensing unit that could provide affordable drinking water to households.

Instead of selling small volumes, Kumar designed his system to dispense 20 litres at a time, which is suitable for family consumption. The automated system also reduces labour requirements, as the dispensing process works without manual handling.

“People can simply insert a coin and collect 20 litres of purified water,” Kumar says.

Building the unit with institutional support

When Kumar began planning the venture, access to capital was the main constraint. While looking for financing options, he came across information about the government entrepreneurship scheme through a newspaper notice and approached the district industries centre for guidance.

Through the process, he secured a loan that helped him set up the purification plant and automated dispensing unit. Kumar says the paperwork was manageable and the financial support allowed him to move ahead with the idea.

Today, the unit operates continuously, supplying water to nearby residents who visit the dispensing point with containers. Along with Kumar, two additional workers assist with operations and water supply activities, while he manages the technical aspects of the system.

Looking to expand the community model

With the current unit functioning steadily, Kumar is considering the possibility of expanding the model to other areas where access to affordable drinking water remains limited. However, expansion requires additional capital, as the existing unit is still being repaid through monthly instalments.

Even so, Kumar believes that the concept can serve communities where safe drinking water is difficult to access. For him, the venture represents a gradual shift from observing an idea during daily travel to running a small local enterprise that serves a practical need.

What began as a technical observation during a commute has now become a modest but steady business, offering affordable drinking water while creating a small source of local employment.

What is CM YUVA Scheme?

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji, the state government aims to transform youth from job seekers into job creators.

To achieve this vision, the Directorate of Industries and Enterprise Promotion, under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion, is implementing the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’ (CM YUVA) Yojana.

Under this scheme, young entrepreneurs are provided with up to Rs 5 lakh in 100% interest-free and collateral-free loans to start their industrial or service-based ventures. In addition, beneficiaries also receive a 10% margin money subsidy on the project cost.

CM YUVA is not just a financial assistance scheme; it also provides mentorship, guidance, market access, and essential resources to help youth become self-reliant entrepreneurs and generate employment opportunities for others.

Click here to know more about the CM YUVA Scheme.