The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to conduct inspections using advanced robotic technology to improve the maintenance of old water pipelines. This move comes after a trial conducted by the Sangli-Kupwad Municipal Corporation, and PMC is now adopting this technology in its city. Pune has many old water pipelines, particularly in the central areas, and the condition has often been a cause for concern. The municipal corporation lacked detailed information about these ageing pipelines, which are prone to leaks due to wear and tear.
Traditional inspection methods often require digging up roads, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to motorists. The new robotic technology comes equipped with advanced cameras that can provide precise data on leaks, illegal or unauthorised connections, and the internal condition of the pipelines. The system will be used to inspect pipelines in the city with a diameter of over 100 millimeters.
Many of Pune's water pipelines are over 40 years old, and their damage has resulted in water contamination and waste mixing into the system. Despite frequent repairs, these pipelines leak, making inspection a vital task. The PMC has been exploring using robots for pipeline inspections after learning about its success in Sangli-Kupwad. The technology will now be used experimentally to inspect water pipelines in parts of Pune.
The head of the PMC's water supply department, Nandkishore Jagtap, highlighted that the robots would allow internal inspections, with photos and videos taken for detailed analysis. Presently, two locations, Kasba Peth and Vadgaon, are being tested for this system. The robot is lowered into the pipeline through a cut made in the middle of the pipe and travels up to 180 meters in both directions. It is equipped with lighting and a 360-degree rotating camera for high-quality imagery.
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