GHMC launches robotic stormwater drain cleaning pilot project

Hyderabad’s civic body has turned to robotics in its bid to tackle the city’s recurring monsoon woes of waterlogging, traffic congestion and overflowing drains.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a pilot project in Circle-12 (Mehdipatnam) to clean stormwater drains using robotic technology.

Robotic machines fitted with high-resolution CCTV cameras have been deployed at key road junctions to detect blockages and carry out precision cleaning.

On Wednesday night, chief engineer (Maintenance) Sahadev Ratnakar inspected operations at NMDC Junction in Mehdipatnam, where the new technology was put to use.

According to GHMC, the initiative aims to improve drainage efficiency during rains by removing silt and debris while ensuring worker safety through strict protocols. The system is designed to reduce water stagnation, protect low-lying areas from inundation, and minimise disruption to road traffic during heavy downpours.

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan said the initiative reflects the corporation’s commitment to ‘technology-backed smart solutions to civic challenges’.

“We have launched stormwater drain cleaning with robotic technology as a pilot project in Hyderabad. If this proves successful, incidents of overflowing drains, traffic jams and flooding in low-lying areas will be significantly reduced,” said the Commissioner.