PMC to Invest ₹1.5 Crore in Water Detection Robot to Combat Illegal Connections

Pune: After a rented robot successfully detected several illegal water connections in the Vadgaon Sheri area, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to buy a similar one for its own use. The funds for this purchase, estimated at around ₹1.5 crore, will be allocated in the next civic budget.

The robot, which went 300 metres inside a 500-mm water pipeline, was able to detect illegal joints. Impressed by its performance, the civic body decided to acquire a similar robot, which will cost approximately ₹90 lakh. Including maintenance, repairs, and manpower expenses for three years, the total cost is expected to reach ₹1.5 crore.

Civic officials have reported that illegal water connections are a widespread issue in old city areas and recently merged villages, leading to significant revenue loss. Despite repeated appeals, many citizens continue to use unauthorized connections, causing unrecorded water wastage and leakages. To address this problem, the PMC launched a special drive using a rented robot to trace these illegal taps.

The robot, controlled remotely, is equipped with four wheels, a camera, and lights. It captures live visuals inside water pipelines, enabling officials to detect illegal connections. During an inspection in Vadgaon Sheri alone, the robot identified two leakage points and 40 illegal connections. These connections were subsequently removed by PMC staff. Superintendent engineer Virendra Kelkar, executive engineer Eknath Gadekar, and other officials were present during the operation.

The purchase of this robot is a significant step towards ensuring the efficient management of water resources and preventing revenue loss. The PMC is committed to leveraging technology to improve civic services and ensure that all residents have access to clean and reliable water.