13 June,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
To improve transparency and ensure proper execution of the work, the BMC introduced an AI-based monitoring system. Pic/File/iStock
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed penalties of more than Rs 9.25 crore on contractors involved in drain cleaning work after an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring system detected several irregularities and violations of contract conditions, officials said on Saturday.
The Mumbai civic body said the penalty amount is being recovered directly from contractors' bills. The action was taken by the Storm Water Drains Department under the directions of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide.
As part of Mumbai's annual monsoon preparedness programme, the BMC carries out desilting work in the Mithi River, major drains, minor drains, underground drainage systems and stormwater channels across the city.
To improve transparency and ensure proper execution of the work, the BMC introduced an AI-based monitoring system last year. The system analyses photographs and videos uploaded by contractors and identifies inconsistencies, missing records and possible violations.
Contractors are required to submit photographs and 30-second videos of desilting work. CCTV footage before and after the cleaning of smaller drains is also mandatory.
According to the BMC, the AI system detected several shortcomings, including:
- Failure to remove tarpaulin sheets during vehicle weighment checks
- Reuse of the same images or inconsistencies in uploaded photographs
- Excessive dust during disposal of desilted material
- Missing photographs and videos
- Failure to upload unloading videos
- Mismatches between registered vehicles, work codes and actual site operations
In addition, physical inspections revealed issues such as:
- Shortage of machinery and equipment
- Insufficient manpower
- Failure to provide safety gear to workers
- Improper processing and disposal of desilted material
- Delays in completing work according to schedule
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar said the civic body follows a zero-tolerance policy towards lapses in drain cleaning work.
Of the total penalty amount, Rs 8.99 crore was imposed based on AI-detected irregularities. The fines were distributed as follows:
| Category | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| Major Drains | Rs 1.39 crore |
| Minor Drains | Rs 6.11 crore |
| Mithi River | Rs 1.48 crore |
| Additional Penalty for Faulty Trips | Rs 26.46 lakh |
| Total | Rs 9.25 crore |
The additional penalty was imposed at Rs 1,000 per defective trip identified during inspections.
Bangar said maintaining quality and transparency in drain cleaning operations remains a top priority for the civic administration.
He stated that both AI-based monitoring and physical inspections have played a key role in identifying deficiencies at an early stage and ensuring accountability.
"The objective of this action is to send a clear message that irregularities in public works will not be tolerated. If further lapses are found, the administration will continue to take strict action," he said.
The BMC said the use of AI has strengthened oversight of large-scale drain cleaning operations and improved transparency in monsoon preparedness work.
Officials added that the civic body remains committed to adopting advanced technology to improve public services and ensure that critical infrastructure projects are completed to the required standards.
