While providing temporary relief from inadequate piped supply, water ATMs commodify water, deepen inequalities, mask failures in urban water governance, and intensify health, environmental, and groundwater sustainability concerns, underscoring the need for systemic public reforms.

“Do you face any challenges in accessing potable water?” This was the question posed during a field survey conducted in October 2024 among 260 (an indicative sample size) residents of two........

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