Mumbai News: BMC Mandates CCTV Footage, AI Monitoring For Nullah Desilting Operations; Targets 9.34 Lakh Metric Tonnes Silt Removal Before Monsoon

Mumbai: In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in desilting operations, the BMC has mandated the recording of a minimum 30-second video and capture photographs at every stage of the process. For smaller drains, it is now compulsory to capture CCTV footage both before and after desilting. These recordings will be analysed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to ensure proper execution and real-time supervision throughout the process.

As part of its pre-monsoon preparedness, the BMC has appointed 23 contractors through a tendering process to execute desilting operations across both the city and suburbs. Desilting of minor drains started in the last week of March, while the Mithi River desilting began in two phases earlier this month.

The BMC has set a target of removing 9.34 lakh metric tonnes of silt from city nullahs and the Mithi River. So far, approximately 1.11 lakh metric tonnes have been cleared. The civic body has allocated a budget of Rs. 540 crore to be spent over a two-year period.

The BMC has introduced a major change to its desilting operations this year by making CCTV recordings and video documentation mandatory. "We will be using AI to analyse all video footage from desilting operations, ensuring proper supervision and full transparency. Contractors must document the desilting process in three stages: before, during, and after the work, with geo-tagged photos and videos uploaded to the designated software. Additionally, daily records must include dumper details (empty and filled), weighbridge data, and vehicle information (number, time, and disposal site arrival). All data will be logged automatically with no human intervention. CCTV will monitor vehicle movements at the disposal site," said a civic official.

Mumbai has 215 km of major nullahs, 156 km of minor nullahs, and the 22.25 km-long Mithi River. According to BMC's guidelines, desilting operations are conducted in three phases annually, with 80% of the silt removed by the end of May. About 10% is cleared during the monsoon, and the remaining 10% after the season ends.

To keep citizens updated, the BMC has made photos and videos available on https://swd.mcgm.gov.in/wms2025, allowing residents to track the progress of desilting in their areas.