BPCL presents Robotic Manhole Cleaning Machines to MCGM M-West Ward
Bharat Petroleum Corporation’s Mumbai Refinery has embarked upon a project to energize the lives of Safai Karmacharis of MCGM M-West Ward by providing two Robotic Manhole Cleaning machines. The project under the Corporate Social Responsibility umbrella was executed with the support of Dr. Prithviraj C. Chauhan, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, M-West Ward, MCGM and M/s. Genrobotic Innovations Pvt. Ltd, a leading robotic start-up funded under BPCL start-up scheme.
At a function held on 21st November 2019, at MCGM-M Ward, Chembur, Shri C. J. Iyer, Executive Director Incharge, Mumbai Refinery presented two Bandicoot Robots (V2.0) to Dr. Prithviraj C. Chauhan, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, M-West Ward, MCGM, in the presence of Shri R.R. Nair, Executive Director HR (MR & JVRs), Shri Kurian Parambi, Chief General Manager HR, Shri E. Rozario General Manager (Admin.) and other senior BPCL and MCGM officials. Besides robotic cleaning of manholes, the project includes, skilling of the MCGM M-West Ward Safai Karmacharis to use the robots through training and a medical camp and awareness session for the Safai Karmacharis.
The project aims to leverage technology in eliminating manual cleaning of manholes. It will help in reducing health hazards for Safai Karmacharis, since manual cleaning of manholes is a major health concern as on date. Safai Karmacharis are engaged in handling all types of waste on a day-to-day basis across the value chain which includes cleaning man-holes, sewer networks, etc.
