Chennai Metrowater has started periodical cleaning of sewer lines particularly in localities prone to frequent blockages during this Southwest monsoon. In a step towards improving urban sanitation, it has deployed Bandicoot mobility robots and added more sewer vehicles to its fleet for sewer network maintenance.

The water agency has begun removing silt accumulated from the sewer lines particularly in the areas identified as vulnerable to sewage issues. Officials of the Metrowater said desilting sewer lines are repeated in such localities. Every week, about 6,500 machine holes are desilted and lines running 52 km in various areas are being flushed.

Chennai is covered with a sewer network comprising of pipelines running nearly 4,698.77 km and 1.61 lakh machine holes. The desilting exercise is being carried out on a daily basis particularly during night hours to reduce sewage related complaints, officials said.

Deployed a year ago, Bandicoot mobility robots, which were developed by Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup, have helped in effective maintenance of the sewer network and reduce clogging of lines.

As of now, this robotic sewer cleaning system has been in zone 6 (Thiru.Vi.Ka.Nagar), 9 (Teynampet) and 13 (Adyar) to desilt about 5,000 maintenance holes. The water agency is also exploring ways to add innovative technologies to improve maintenance of its infrastructure, officials said.

Residents of north Chennai noted that desilting machine holes and old sewer lines must be carried out in narrow streets frequently to prevent sewage mixing with drinking water.

E. Earnest Paul, president, Royapuram Residents’ Welfare Association, said “sewer machines are involved in desilting machine holes and pipelines in places like G.A.Road and Kasimedu. It is a welcome initiative. But Metrowater must clean lines in smaller streets in R.K.Nagar and Royapuram for relief during rainy season.”

Officials noted that 604 sewer vehicles, including Bandicoot mobility, have been engaged in cleaning sewer network. About 80 sewer vehicles operated by sanitary workers who were turned entrepreneurs through a project assisted by Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also part of the fleet.

The use of Bandicoot robots, a device integrated with a vehicle, has ensured safety of workers and easy removal and transport of sewage. The robot’s ability to carry out deep cleaning of machine holes—reaching depths of 10 metres — has enhanced efficiency.

The robotic unit with spider-like legs is lowered into the manholes to remove clogged waste from the sewer lines. While the robot’s arm designed to mimic human hand collects the waste, the bucket with a 14-kg capacity lifts the waste off machine holes.

Explaining the operation through user interface, an engineer of Genrobotics, said with underwater cameras as its eyes and gas sensors, the robot can scan the interior of the network and detect waste and hazardous gases.

“We have even removed broken manhole pieces and clothes from the machine holes. The robotic unit can also be unloaded from vehicles and used independently in narrow areas,” said Bharath, a sanitary worker trained as operator.