Pune Municipal Corporation Goes High-Tech with GPS Tracking for Waste Management Staff
Pune, 1st June 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully utilized GPS tracking technology to improve the efficiency of sanitation workers in the Aundh, Baner, and Balewadi areas. Encouraged by the positive results, the administration has now decided to extend the tracking system citywide.
This initiative will encompass employees involved in various tasks such as tree work, garbage collection, transportation, and waste processing. The project is set to be implemented across the entire city within the next three months.
With Pune generating approximately 2,200 tons of garbage daily and employing around 15,000 individuals in waste management, the Municipal Corporation aims to harness the full potential of this extensive system. To achieve this, they have adopted the Integrated Solid Waste Management System as their operational framework.
Initially implemented on a pilot basis within the aforementioned regions, the system involved 1,000 employees. Over the past four months, cleanliness, garbage collection, and transportation activities have been closely monitored. Consequently, immediate information became available regarding the movement of employees within specific areas and the sanitation status of different zones.
These real-time insights significantly improved operational efficiency and ensured proper waste collection and transportation throughout the designated areas. As a result, the overall cleanliness of the region witnessed a noticeable improvement.
A comprehensive presentation on the successful pilot project was made to Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar, with the presence of Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department, Asha Raut. The subsequent citywide implementation will involve approximately 14,000 employees, drivers, project staff, and 673 waste transport vehicles, amounting to an expenditure of Rs. 16 crores by the municipal corporation.
How the System Works:
- Waste transport vehicles will be equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and a GPS system to track their movements.
- Information will be recorded on the quantity of waste collected by each truck and the amount processed at the designated waste management facility.
- Sanitation workers will wear GPS devices strapped to their wrists, allowing their working hours and distances covered to be accurately recorded.
- The entire system will be monitored from a central control room.
Notably, the implementation of the GPS tracking system has resulted in improved attendance and punctuality among sanitation workers. Each worker wears a GPS band on their wrist, enabling the municipal corporation to keep track of their presence. The presentation highlighted that regular and full-time attendance has led to a substantial increase of at least 125 tonnes per day in waste collection at the Aundh Ward Office.
By harnessing the power of GPS technology, the Pune Municipal Corporation aims to optimize its waste management operations, enhance employee accountability, and further improve the cleanliness and hygiene of the city.
