Mumbai: BMC will deploy two more unmanned boats to remove floating garbage and debris from the sea at Sassoon Dock. For the same, the civic body has sanctioned Rs 3.64 crore.Officials said that the move is part of the BMC’s efforts to use technology to tackle floating waste along the city’s coastline. The boats will be electric/solar-powered and remotely operated, allowing garbage to be collected from the water without workers having to physically enter the sea.The civic body had deployed two unmanned electric boats at the Gateway of India and Badhwar Park at Cuffe Parade in May this year. BJP corporator from Colaba Makarand Narwekar said the boats collect around 80-90 kg of floating waste every day.“Physically picking up garbage would take more time. Hence, the unmanned boats are operated through a remote. The waste collected is sent for segregation and recycling,” Narwekar said.He said the boats have a range of around 500 metres and are battery-operated with solar panels. The initiative is expected to help reduce plastic and other floating waste in the sea, while also improving the appearance of waterfront areas frequented by tourists.
