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Water ATMs Turn Coal Mine Discharge into Drinking Water

25 October 20251 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSWater ATMs TurnCoal MineDischarge intoDrinking Water25 October 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Projects in Jharkhand and Maharashtra treat coal mine discharge as a resource, offering clean drinking water and livelihoods.

Key facts

  • Developer: Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC), IIT-ISM Dhanbad, with Dhanbad Municipal Corporation.
  • Purpose: safe potable water, community health and a circular water economy.
  • Operation: 24×7, with advanced filtration and IoT monitoring.
  • Community role: women-led entrepreneurship and self-help groups manage the machines.

Exam angle

  • Model name: PARAM JAL.
  • Concept: circular water economy.

Test yourself

1. Which innovation centre developed the Water ATM initiative using treated coal mine water?

It was developed under ACIC at IIT-ISM Dhanbad with Dhanbad Municipal Corporation.

2. What does the PARAM JAL Water ATM dispense for ₹10?

The model gives 10 litres for ₹10 via coins or UPI.

3. Which local groups are encouraged to manage the Water ATMs?

The initiative promotes women-led entrepreneurship and SHG participation.