BMC implements AI for efficient nallah desilting monitoring

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to use videography and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the cleaning of drains this monsoon. This initiative follows a review meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who emphasized the need for technology to make the cleaning process more efficient. BMC officials, including additional municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar, aim to enhance transparency in the desilting of nallahs, which are city drains. Instead of using static photos, they will implement dynamic videos that document the length of the drains. This change is expected to help stakeholders better monitor the desilting process. For minor nallahs, complete videography will be used to ensure thorough documentation. The incorporation of AI into video analytics is intended to detect irregular practices. For instance, if materials like construction debris are found being dumped instead of just silt, the AI system will identify these issues. Bangar explained that monitoring the many trucks involved in desilting is difficult. Therefore, AI will help spot discrepancies, such as an unusual amount of rocks being dumped. The AI can report these anomalies in real-time to an on-site official for immediate action. The BMC plans to work with a specialized agency to implement this technology. The goal is to improve quality control and efficiency in the desilting process before the monsoon season starts.