BMC to deploy crawler cameras underground to detect pipe leakages

In response, authorities are installing night vision cameras to detect leaks. Earlier in June, multiple areas in north Mumbai, including Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, and Malad, faced issues such as low water pressure and contaminated water. Despite weeks of efforts, authorities could not detect the leakages until the cameras were installed.

“There are multiple points prone to leakages. We have identified these points and installed night vision cameras there. The water flow from the pipes could be seen in the cameras, allowing us to detect the leaks,” said an official.

Civic authorities noted that water leakage only occurs when water is passing through the pipelines, the supply cannot be stopped as the flow of water helps identify the leakage spots. Therefore, the quicker a leakage is detected, the lesser amount of water is wasted.

Meanwhile, the civic body has invited tenders to employ two crawler cameras to detect water leakages. A crawler camera is a mobile camera that can move through compact spaces. These cameras are controlled remotely, and the visuals are broadcast on screens similar to CCTV cameras. A crawler camera has four wheels and can cross distances of up to 200 meters. These devices have sturdy bodies and are also fire-protected.

“These cameras can traverse areas where humans cannot reach to detect leakages. The data captured can cover aqueducts and viaducts ranging from 250 mm to 1,200 mm in diameter,” the official added.