Sunil Lohan
-Launch of Blue Force and Robotic Inspection System
– BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar briefs on the initiative.
*Key Features of the Robotic Technology:
*Precise internal pipeline inspection.
*AI-based leakage detection.
*Defect identification.
*Complete digital mapping of pipeline networks.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar today lauded the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) for adopting advanced robotic technology to detect illegal water connections,identify contamination, and ensure the supply of clean water.He said this initiative would serve as a model for the entire country.
The DCM inaugurated the newly formed Blue Force and the Robotic Technology Deployment Programme designed by BWSSB to detect illegal connections and water leakages.The launch took place this afternoon at Ali Asker Road.
“The government is responsible for providing clean drinking water to the people of Bengaluru.BWSSB is adopting new technologies to achieve this.
As the only water utility in the country with BIS certification,the Board has become a model for India,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He directed officials to take strict action against anyone who has obtained unauthorized water connections—irrespective of whether they are rich,poor,or business owners.
He added,“BWSSB must detect and rectify contamination quickly.Bengaluru residents should not have to depend on water cans.”
Calling the initiative first-of-its-kind in India,the DCM highlighted that robotic technology enables quick detection of leakage sources without excessive road digging.
“The system will directly identify the source of contamination and leakages.This is a citizen-friendly initiative.I congratulate BWSSB staff and the Blue Force. I hope this becomes a national model,”he said.
He emphasised that unnecessary road cutting must be reduced.“This robotic technology will be extremely useful for BWSSB.
The fact that the Union Government has approved it is encouraging.The Board must use advanced technology to resolve citizen grievances quickly.”
*Technology Demonstration:
BWSSB demonstrated how the robotic AI system detects leakages inside pipelines and immediately sends the information to the BWSSB dashboard,enabling rapid action.
The DCM observed the demonstration with keen interest and instructed the Board to implement the system in real-world operations without delay.
BWSSB Chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said,“Our goal is to provide clean drinking water.We had to dig roads in multiple places earlier to trace contamination; this technology eliminates that problem.
The robotic system will scan pipelines, locate the exact issue, and roads will be dug only where repairs are needed. Issues can be resolved within 24 hours.”
He added that complaint resolution will become significantly faster and that illegal connections have been causing huge losses to the Board.
“With robotic technology and strict enforcement,we will identify all violations.This initiative aims to reduce Bengaluru’s 28% water loss caused by leakages and illegal connections,”he said.
He further stated that 16 Blue Force units—one in each division,with three members per team—will begin operations this week.
These teams will detect illegal connections, impose penalties where required,and regularise connections when necessary.
MLA Rizwan Arshad, who was present,praised BWSSB’s new technological adoption.
The DCM also inspected the robotic manhole cleaning technology and appreciated the Board’s efforts.
Senior BWSSB officials including Madan Mohan, Chief Engineer B.S. Delayath, and other engineers and administrators were present.
