Press button; Drink water

Drinking water fountain plants being built at Dasara Exhibition Grounds; to create ‘Plastic-Free Zone’

Mysuru: In a first for the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, drinking water fountain plants — typically seen at airports and abroad — are set to provide visitors with a unique, eco-friendly way to access drinking water at the press of a button. The initiative, aimed at creating a ‘Plastic-Free Zone,’ will feature 10 to 15 water fountain plants, constructed at a cost of Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 lakh.

Unlike traditional water dispensers, these fountains allow users to drink water by pressing a button, either by hand or foot, which activates a fountain-like stream. The fountains are being introduced as part of a larger push to eliminate single-use plastic, banning plastic carry bags, water bottles and cups inside the exhibition premises.

Food vendors have also been instructed to replace plastic cups with glass alternatives, reinforcing the Karnataka Exhibition Authority’s (KEA) commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Previously, conventional water taps at the exhibition grounds led to significant wastage, as visitors often left the taps running. The new fountains are expected to conserve water while reducing plastic waste.

This step is seen as a crucial measure to address the challenge of plastic waste management at the grounds, offering a sustainable and hygienic drinking water solution for visitors.