PMC to Invest ₹1.5 Crore in Water Detection Robot to Combat Illegal Connections
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to purchase a robot worth ₹1.5 crore to detect illegal water connections, following the success of a rented robot in Vadgaon Sheri. The robot will help curb revenue loss and unrecorded water wastage.
PmcWater ConnectionsIllegal ConnectionsWater ManagementTechnologyReal Estate PuneOct 09, 2025
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the robot purchased by the PMC?
The robot is designed to detect illegal water connections and leakage points in water pipelines, helping the PMC to prevent revenue loss and unrecorded water wastage.
How much will the robot cost, and what is the total budget including maintenance?
The robot itself will cost approximately ₹90 lakh, and with maintenance, repairs, and manpower expenses for three years, the total budget is expected to reach ₹1.5 crore.
Where was the rented robot used, and what were the results?
The rented robot was used in the Vadgaon Sheri area, where it detected two leakage points and 40 illegal connections, all of which were later removed by PMC staff.
What are the main areas affected by illegal water connections?
Illegal water connections are widespread in old city areas and recently merged villages, leading to significant revenue loss and unrecorded water wastage.
Who were the officials present during the operation using the rented robot?
Superintendent engineer Virendra Kelkar, executive engineer Eknath Gadekar, and other officials were present during the operation to ensure its smooth execution.
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