India, Sept. 28 -- Two unmanned electric boats will soon patrol the waters around Sassoon Dock and Jamshedji Port to scoop up floating garbage, with the BMC approving Rs.3.64 crore for their deployment, operation and maintenance. The civic body plans to use the remotely operated boats to mechanically remove marine waste and expand the technology to other waterfronts in south Mumbai.

BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide has approved the project, with the solid waste management department now working on the tender conditions.

The move follows the deployment of two unmanned electric boats at the Gateway of India and Badhwar Park in May. BJP corporator from Colaba Makarand Narwekar said the boats are currently collecting around 80-90 kg of floati...