Manhole-cleaning robots lie defunct in Muktsar

Two robotic systems purchased in 2020 for cleaning manholes in Muktsar district — a first in Punjab — have been lying defunct for over three years.

The robots, procured at a cost of around Rs 90 lakh, became non-functional after the authorities failed to pay the agreed operation and maintenance (O&M) charges to the private supplier from Kerala. Shaminder Singh, Executive Engineer, Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Muktsar, said, “The robots are not functioning as the Department of Local Government was supposed to pay the O&M charges for five years from the date of purchase. However, they were operated for only about 1.5 years.”

He added that a detailed case was recently submitted to senior officials, and he was later instructed to get around Rs 23 lakh from the district administration. “I have sent a letter to the Deputy Commissioner requesting the funds,” said the Executive Engineer.

The robots, equipped with cameras and 360° robotic arms, a handy bucket and a genset, were intended to modernise sewer maintenance and eliminate hazardous manual cleaning.