Ladakh introduces world's first manhole cleaning robot to end manual scavenging

Jammu: The UT administration of Ladakh has introduced robots across Leh city to clean manholes and dispense with human entry into sewer openings with an aim to eliminate manual scavenging (the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks).
Under this mission, Municipal Committee Leh launched world’s first robotic scavenger 'Bandicoot Robot', on a trial basis, to mechanize sewer cleaning and build a manual scavenging-free India. Ladakh has procured Genrobotics’ Bandicoot after seeing their operational performance in 17 States and UTs of the country.
The ‘Bandicoot’ is designed and developed by Genrobotics, a national award-winning Start-up, to eliminate manual intervention from cleaning confined spaces like sewer manholes and provide a safer workspace for sanitation workers.
These advanced robots are also well-equipped with gas sensing systems to detect hazardous gases. This helps the operator perceive and eliminate risks of accidents inside manholes.
Moreover, these robots, in addition to several socio-environment benefits, also bring huge financial advantages to the government. Robotic scavenging is believed to be more efficient as it can cover up to 10 manholes every day against 1 or 2 being covered by manual scavenging.
The Leh district administration and the Genrobotics representatives would train the sanitation workers of the municipal committee to enable them to efficiently and effectively operate the Bandicoot Robot.
According to the official spokesperson, this initiative of Municipal Committee Leh would promote and contribute towards "Mission Zero" manual scavenging and aid in achieving the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
"It is also in accordance with the advisory issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI to set up an Emergency Sanitation Response Unit (ESRU) at the district level under the Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA) to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks," the spokesperson said.
The Executive officer municipal committee Leh, Stanzin Rabgais, in the presence of chief guest deputy commissioner Leh Shrikant Suse, stressed that this initiative would successfully promote the "Safai Mitra Suraksha" challenge, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, by implementing mechanical tools for cleaning sewers and ending manual scavenging.
The Genrobotics team performed a practical demonstration of the functioning of the Bandicoot Robot.
The Robot consists of two units, a stand unit and a robotic drone unit. The robotic drone unit with a multi-functioning robotic arm dives into the manholes for cleaning or unblocking operations.
The customizable diving depth of the robotic drone, with added features of carbon fiber body, smart user interface, 4 IP68 proof cameras, operational assistance and corrosive resistance enables the robot to perform its operation in any hazardous or corrosive sewerage environments effectively for a longer period.

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