Thane To Get Robotic System For City-Wide Drain Cleaning

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced the deployment of robotic systems to clean the city’s extensive network of drains.

This move is part of efforts to modernise urban sanitation and prevent monsoon flooding.

The initiative is aimed at improving year-round maintenance and reducing the risk of flooding during the monsoon season.

The city’s drainage system, which stretches over 300 kilometres, has long relied on periodic manual desilting carried out once or twice a year. This approach often left drains clogged with plastic waste and floating debris for much of the year, contributing to waterlogging during heavy rains.

To address these shortcomings, TMC will introduce a patent-protected robotic system developed by IIT Bombay at 10 pilot locations, including key junctions near the creek. These robots are designed to automatically intercept and remove floating plastic waste, ensuring continuous cleaning without depending solely on manual labour.

In addition to robotic intervention, TMC is expanding its waste management infrastructure across multiple fronts. A scientific landfill and waste processing plant is currently under construction on a 35-hectare site in Aatkolli, Bhiwandi. The facility is expected to handle between 600 and 800 tonnes of waste per day, significantly boosting the city’s processing capacity.

The same site will also host an experimental green charcoal production project, which is scheduled for completion within the next six months. This initiative aims to convert waste into a usable energy resource, contributing to more sustainable waste management practices.

Meanwhile, at Gaimukh, a new facility is being developed to process 97 tonnes of wet waste daily into organic fertilizer. This move aligns with broader efforts to promote recycling and reduce the burden on landfills.

TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao has also announced a performance audit of mechanical road sweepers operating on high-traffic routes such as Ghodbunder Road. The audit will assess whether fuel consumption and operational costs are translating into effective cleaning outcomes.

Together, these initiatives reflect a shift toward technology-driven, sustainable urban management. By combining automation, infrastructure expansion, and accountability measures, TMC aims to build a cleaner and more resilient city ahead of future monsoon challenges.