Robotic excavator inaugurated

Facing flak for poor desilting of drains that cause flooding in the city,the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday inaugurated a Rs 5.25-crore robotic multipurpose excavator that will be used to desilt drains across the city. The machine,which can carry weight of up to five tonnes,has been tested in the Kahroo Creek,Dadar and Dharavi,and is currently in use at Mithi River.

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray,Mayor Sunil Prabhu,leader of the general body,Yashodhar Phanse,standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale were also present during the inauguration. Civic officials said the machine is on a one-year trial after which its use will depend on the performance.

The excavator,which boasts of a 150 horse power,works on the pipes at a level of up to two metres and at a width of about 2.5 metres. Apart from drain desilting,the multipurpose vehicle can also be used for the lifting heavy materials,excavation of roads and cutting trees. The machine has an operation and maintenance cost of around Rs 24,000 for eight-hour use. Officials said it is easy to handle and does not require a crane for transportation.