Milk ATM project in Pulwama non-operational six years after construction

Pulwama, May 1: A public welfare initiative aimed at ensuring access to clean and unadulterated milk in Pulwama has failed to take off even six years after its infrastructure was put in place, raising serious questions over delays and official inaction.
The Milk ATM project, conceived to provide residents with round-the-clock access to fresh and hygienic milk, saw the construction of a dedicated building near the Animal Husbandry Department in 2020. The initiative came at a time when concerns over milk adulteration were mounting, and authorities sought to introduce a reliable, automated system to supply quality milk directly to consumers.
Under the plan, the facility was to house a Milk ATM that would dispense fresh milk to the public at any time, ensuring both convenience and safety. However, despite the completion of the structure, the project has remained non-operational to date.
Officials revealed that an amount of approximately Rs 28.9 lakh was spent on constructing the building. Yet, the core component of the project—the Milk ATM equipment—has not been installed, rendering the entire facility unusable.
The prolonged delay has sparked concern among residents, who question the purpose of investing public funds into infrastructure that has not been put to use. Many have expressed frustration over the lack of progress and have urged authorities to expedite the process so that the intended benefits reach the public.
“The building has been standing there for years without serving any purpose. If the structure is ready, why hasn’t the machine been installed yet?” said a local.
An official from the office of the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer said the department has already submitted a proposal to higher authorities seeking funds for the procurement of the required equipment. The official assured that the Milk ATM would be made functional once the necessary approvals and funds are released. (KNO)