Now, labourers won't have to enter drains

BMC to use micro-tunneling machines for enlargement of sewage pipelines in the wake of rising deaths in underground drains

The sewerage department of the BMC does not want to risk its labourers' lives anymore.

After the incident on Friday where a labourer died while repairing a storm water drain, the BMC will now use trenchless technology at various places to enlarge water and sewerage pipes and storm water drains.


One BMC labourer was killed while repairing an underground drain on Friday

The technology is used in places where conventional excavation and digging is next to impossible.
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Here, micro tunneling takes care of underground burrowing and simultaneous jacking together of pipeline segments without disturbing life above.

"It is one of the best technologies as time and manpower involved is reduced by a large extent," said BMC Vigilance Officer C P Joshi. He added that there is only one site where digging is required and the burrowing then can go on internally.

The BMC embarked on this project in 2006 but only little work has been completed till now. "After the accident, we need to quicken the pace of these projects," said Joshi.

Another BMC official from the sewerage (projects) department said, "This technology should be used for cleaning the drains and carrying out repairs as it will be accurate as well as helpful."

Currently the project work is being carried out in Kandivli and Poisar wherein the BMC is using it to enlarge the sewerage lines. Joshi said that this technology doesn't create traffic problems.

It is controlled with the help of a remote and needs only one person for monitoring. Consultants are hired by the BMC to handle the projects. The city has seven of these German madeu00a0 machines worth Rs 15 crore each.

Micro tunneling
Micro tunneling is a system designed for constructing non-man entry tunnels and sophisticated remote control the micro tunneling machines. These machines crush huge rocks in their way and separate the slurry, water and rocks while burrowing into the ground.

Previous Accidents
- A labourer was killed and three others were injured in an accident that occurred while they were repairing and strengthening a stormwater drain in Tardeo on Friday
- Two contract labourers died after entering a sewer manhole in Ghatkopar in March 2008