Pune: PMC Tests Floating Spider Machine to Clear Water Hyacinth From City Water Bodies
Pune, 27th June 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully conducted the first trial of a floating spider machine at Jambhulwadi Lake, marking a step towards using modern technology to clean the city’s lakes, rivers and other water bodies.
The machine is designed to remove water hyacinth and other invasive aquatic weeds, which obstruct water flow, reduce dissolved oxygen levels and threaten aquatic life. The unchecked spread of the weed also contributes to waterlogging, foul odour and mosquito breeding.
During the trial, the amphibious machine efficiently navigated the lake, uprooting and removing aquatic vegetation from the water surface. PMC officials said its design enables it to access deep and narrow sections of water bodies that are difficult to clean using conventional methods.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure inspected the demonstration and said the technology would help make the cleaning of the city’s water bodies more systematic, scientific and efficient. She added that conserving and restoring natural water sources remains a priority for the civic body.
Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair, senior corporators Sandeep Beldare, Rajesh Thakur Desai and Santosh Landge, along with other civic officials, were present during the trial.
PMC officials said the successful test has strengthened the civic body’s plans to deploy the floating spider machine for regular desilting and weed removal across Pune’s lakes and rivers, improving water quality and protecting aquatic biodiversity.
