Meghalaya government explores AI-powered technology to clean floating waste at Umiam Lake

A pioneering demonstration of advanced waste management methods unfolded at Kyndong Rella in the Mawdun Area of Umiam Lake in Meghalaya on August 25. 

Showcasing cutting-edge technology, the event heralded the integration of AI-integrated marine robotic boats, revolutionizing waste collection strategies and setting an example for addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Driven by the Smart Village Movement initiative of the Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with technology partner Clearbot, this event marked a significant leap towards addressing environmental concerns through innovation. The focal point was the deployment of AI-integrated marine robotic boats, designed to efficiently collect floating waste, thereby presenting a forward-thinking solution to tackle environmental issues.

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The seven-day demonstration culminated on August 25 at 3 p.m., drawing various stakeholders from Umiam Lake. Attendees were offered a firsthand experience of the technology's potential to reshape waste collection methods across the state and region, demonstrating its real-world applications.

This groundbreaking technology provides an accessible means to extract debris, oil, and other pollutants from water bodies, all while harnessing electricity. Pynshai Marpna, the project lead for the demonstration, emphasized the importance of exploring these models in the state. The robotic boats have demonstrated the capability to amass up to 15 litres of oil and 200 kg of floating waste daily, signifying their efficiency.

With an estimated accumulation of 250 kg of waste in less than three hours during the demonstration, this fusion of marine engineering and artificial intelligence showcased the seamless integration of innovation and sustainability. The adoption of such an inventive solution, the robotic boats, simplifies waste collection and significantly addresses the mounting issue of aquatic pollution, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.