Mumbai
oi-Swastika Sruti
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a novel artificial intelligence (AI) driven camera in Mahim as a pilot scheme aimed at preventing people from throwing garbage in public spaces.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated a pilot AI camera project in Mahim to detect and deter illegal garbage dumping using loudspeaker alerts, with future expansion contingent on the system’s effectiveness, as fines require on-site staff.
The AI camera has been installed in a place which has been recognized as susceptible to garbage dumping. Different from conventional CCTV cameras, the latest innovation can identify any attempt to dispose garbage in the open area. As soon as any such attempt is registered by the camera, a loudspeaker that is linked to it starts emitting audio alerts to deter the individual.
A senior officer from the Solid Waste Management Department of the BMC revealed that the municipal corporation will first analyze the effectiveness of this technology before considering installing more such cameras elsewhere in Mumbai.
🚨 Mumbai is testing an AI-powered garbage camera to prevent people from dumping garbage in public spaces. (BMC) https://t.co/aKGQIiwnAI
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How Does Mumbai’s AI Garbage Camera Work?
The AI-enabled camera aims to detect people who try to dump garbage in places where such dumping is not allowed.
On detection of such individuals, an attached speaker begins to deliver a message as a warning to that individual. It is aimed to alert the individual and prevent him or her from throwing waste in roadsides or open areas.
Nevertheless, the camera does not give out an automatic challan to such offenders. According to the BMC official, workers from the civic body will have to be there on spot to deal with the offenders.
The Mahim system is a pilot project as of now. BMC will review its performance and decide about installing more such systems in the city later.
BMC Identifies 286 Garbage-Vulnerable Spots Across Mumbai
The civic body has identified 286 locations across Mumbai where people frequently dump garbage illegally. According to BMC data, R-South ward, which covers areas such as Kandivali, Charkop and parts of Malad, has the highest number of such locations, with 28 garbage-vulnerable spots.
Other wards with a high number of identified locations include:
- M-East ward: 23 spots, covering areas such as Govandi and Deonar
- M-West ward: 23 spots, including Chembur and Mahim Creek areas
- G-North ward: 23 spots, covering Dadar, Mahim and Dharavi
- P-North ward: 22 spots, including Malad and Malvani
The BMC has appealed to residents not to throw household waste, plastic or other garbage on roads, vacant plots and public spaces.
BMC Previously Installed CCTV Cameras At 130 Locations
Prior to deploying the AI-enabled system, the BMC has been using regular CCTV cameras at 130 sites in order to keep track of garbage dumping.
According to sources, the camera project allowed the municipality to get rid of more than 100 areas prone to garbage dumping in the entire city of Mumbai.
Of all the wards in the city, the one called F-North comprising of Sion, Matunga and Wadala has the maximum number of cameras installed at 11 sites for garbage dumping.
Will AI Cameras Automatically Fine People For Dumping Garbage?
No. The new AI-powered camera does not automatically generate a challan or fine memo.
A BMC official clarified that civic employees must be deployed at the location to take action against offenders. The camera’s primary role is to detect suspicious dumping activity and alert people through its connected loudspeaker.
