Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has introduced a groundbreaking application leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to oversee the distribution of water via tankers across the city, marking a significant advancement in water supply management. Officials from the PMC unveiled this innovative system, currently in the trial phase, at a tanker point in Padmavati. The application provides real-time data on tanker entry and exit, as well as the volume of water filled and distributed by each tanker.
Every day, approximately 1,400 drinking water tankers are dispatched by the PMC to residents, covering both urban areas and newly incorporated villages. These tankers are procured from private vendors who supply water at no charge, with the PMC bearing transportation costs. Additionally, around 300 private tankers procure water from PMC tanker points at a rate of ₹666 per tanker, subsequently selling it to citizens.
Shrinivas Kandul, head of PMC’s electric department, underscored the initiative’s objective to address the lack of real-time monitoring at tanker points, stating, “We have deployed AI-based CCTV cameras on a trial basis at Padmavati Tanker Point. An application has been developed to enable real-time monitoring of water withdrawals from tanker points, providing insights into refill frequencies.” Kandul further highlighted the technology’s potential to identify instances of water scarcity and irregularities within the tanker industry.
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department, emphasized the application’s significance in enhancing transparency in the water supply chain, complementing existing GPS tracking systems. Jagtap stated, “This AI-powered application, coupled with existing GPS tracking systems, will enhance transparency in the water supply chain, ensuring accountability for all water distribution activities conducted by PMC.”
This innovative use of technology not only improves the efficiency and transparency of water tanker distribution but also underscores PMC’s commitment to leveraging advanced solutions to address water management challenges effectively. As the trial phase progresses, stakeholders anticipate broader implementation of this AI-powered monitoring system to optimize water distribution and ensure equitable access to this vital resource across Pune.
