Within two years, Delhi government wants to have drinking water dispensing E-piaos everywhere across the city, according to Water Minister Kapil Mishra. Accepting there aren’t enough water kiosks at present, Mishra promised to make water available for every person on the road in the next two years. READ | Reeling under mercury’s May onslaught “Within two years, we aim to have E-piaos where water is better than in branded bottled water. People may have forgotten to keep earthen pots in front of their houses but we will make water available to those struggling in the heat on the roads,” he said. Mishra added that within two years no one would have to buy bottled water to quench their thirst because the government would make water available to them at a convenient distance. READ | By the sweat of brow – Burn to earn because there is no other way At present, the government claims to have 100 piaos where people can get drinking water free of cost by next month. Few of the piaos have started operating, said Mishra. These are at ITO, IP Estate, ring roads and other points, he added. Piaos would be opened at places like labour chowks and other such places, said Mishra. The plan is to open 100 more next month. Each E-piao has a water kiosk, plastic glasses and dustbin to discard the glasses after use. The piaos also have solar panels for electricity. READ | Don’t ignore early signs of dehydration, say doctors Mishra said the challenge was to maintain these units and the government had appointed a guard at each piao.
