India, Oct. 10 -- After a rented robot detected several illegal water connections in the Vadgaon Sheri aea, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to buy a similar one for its own use. Funds for the purchase - around Rs.1.5 crore - will be allocated in the next civic budget.

The said robot went 300 metres inside a 500-mm water pipeline and detected illegal joints. Seeing this performance, the civic body took the decision to buy a similar one, which will cost around Rs.90 lakh. With maintenance, repairs, and manpower expenses for three years, the total cost is expected to reach Rs.1.5 crore.

Civic officials said illegal water connections are widespread in old city areas and recently merged villages, leading to significant reven...