A number of new water ATMs and bio-toilets were launched in the city today under the state government's Guwahati Smart City Mission.

Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharjee today inaugurated a water ATM and a bio-toilet at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital premises today.

A water ATM is an automated water vending machine that dispenses pure drinking water when a coin or note is inserted into it. A water vending machine works like any regular bank ATM, the only difference being that it provides water instead of money.

The smart Bio-toilet unit is a modular, pre-fabricated unit and is integrated with user-friendly electronic interfaces. They are unmanned, automated smart toilets having remote monitoring facilities by integrating electrical, mechanical and GPS technology. The toilets are provided with a bio digester tank for hygienic decomposition of the soil waste and discharging environment safe effluent

The government has decided to issue a NFC card for dispensing water. Although not necessary for everyone, the card will offer discounts and easy access. The Water ATMs will dispense 250 ml of water for Rs 1, Rs 5 for 1 litre. If a NFC card is used, 20 litre of water can be dispensed for Rs 25 only.

The Water vending machines are proposed to be set up in 20 different places across the city out of which 12 of them have been installed. Each of the machines has cost Rs 10 lakh while the total installation budget is Rs 2 crore.

The ATMs will dispense both chilled and normal drinking water.

The city will get a total of 30 new coin operated bio-toilets of which 22 have been completed. The bio-toilets have been installed for a budget of Rs 9.53 crore.