The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation encompasses an area of 13.5sqkm and is home to approximately 625,000 residents. Heavy rainfall in 2005 severely impacted the city’s underground sewerage infrastructure, reducing its operational capacity to just 40km of pipelines and 1850 chambers from the initial 112km and 3750 chambers. Currently, the city operates four sewage treatment plants, managing around 35MLD of sewage.
“We have taken a significant step towards eliminating manual scavenging by integrating the Bandicoot machine, an advanced robotic system designed to clean sewers in a safer and more efficient manner,” explains Dr Subhash Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner, Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation.
This initiative not only safeguards the health and well-being of the sanitation workers but also enhances the efficiency of sewer maintenance. With the capability to clean 15-20 manholes daily across three machines, the Bandicoot machine has significantly improved the working conditions for sanitation workers, reducing health issues.
We are embracing technology to safeguard the dignity and safety of our sanitation workers. The introduction of the Bandicoot machine is a testament to our commitment to eradicating manual scavenging, enhancing efficiency in sewer maintenance, and ensuring a safer working environment for our workforce.”
Dr Subhash Jadhav