Move to put an end to manual scavenging
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 7: Bandicoot, the first robotic scavenger in the world, has been deployed by the Municipal Committee of Leh (MCL) to do away with the need for manual manhole cleaning.
The manhole-cleaning robot Bandicoot, which is currently operating in more than 17 states across the nation, has begun its operations in Leh.
Bandicoot’s entry into Leh has been ensured after winning the ‘Swachhata Startup Award’; from Swachh Bharat Mission -Urban by MoHUA.
Sanitation personnel needed to physically labour in manholes to clean them, but because of dangerous gases and other issues, working in manholes has frequently been as dangerous as working in a death trap. In contrast to other terrains, Leh’s harsh environment makes manhole cleaning much more difficult.
Leh dispatched its first Bandicoot Robot to put an end to this issue, and now sanitation personnel can clean manholes in a more sanitary and safe manner.
To empower the workers to operate the robot, they are receiving the necessary training in this regard. By completing this project, MCL hopes to advance the Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge, contribute to Mission Zero Manual Scavenging, and provide improved sanitation services to locals and visitors.
The government also anticipates that the tourism industry in Leh will gain from this project as well. Manholes will be filled up during the summer months in the city when there will be a large influx of tourists allowing the use of Bandicoot as a lifesaver for MCL to tackle the situation in all climatic scenarios.
Bandicoot Robot was launched by the hand-over of the key by the District Commissioner of Leh, Shrikant Suse, to the Executive Officer of MCL, Stanzin Rabgais, in presence of the Director of Genrobotics, Nikhil NP. Rabgais informed that Genrobotics’ Bandicoot was procured after seeing its operational performance in over 17 states and UTs of the country.
He stressed that this initiative would successfully promote the Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, by implementing robotic tools for cleaning sewers and ending manual scavenging.
It is to be noted here that the Bandicoot is a robotic manhole cleaner designed to help municipalities maintain clean and safe sewer systems. It is designed to operate in cold temperatures and can easily navigate through confined spaces.
The robot has a strong robotic arm that can remove dirt, debris, and other impediments. It also has a range of sensors and cameras that can identify any issues and find any potential obstructions. The robot can be set up to automatically clean the manhole and inform the municipal staff of its findings.
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