Pune: PMC Successfully Trials Floating Spider Machine To Remove Water Hyacinth From Jambhulwadi Lake
Pune: PMC Successfully Trials Floating Spider Machine To Remove Water Hyacinth From Jambhulwadi Lake
Pune, June 30, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully conducted the first trial of a floating spider machine at Jambhulwadi Lake, marking a significant step towards the scientific restoration and conservation of the city’s lakes and rivers. The amphibious machine efficiently removed large quantities of water hyacinth and other invasive aquatic weeds during the demonstration.
The trial was carried out in the presence of Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, senior civic officials and elected representatives. Designed to operate seamlessly on both land and water, the floating spider machine navigated the lake with ease, uprooting dense patches of invasive vegetation that have become a major environmental concern across Pune’s water bodies.
Mayor Nagpure said the adoption of modern technology would make the cleaning and maintenance of lakes more systematic, efficient and environmentally sustainable. She emphasised that the conservation and rejuvenation of natural water bodies remain a key priority for the civic administration and that the successful trial demonstrates the potential of technology-driven solutions for urban environmental management.
According to PMC’s Environment Department, water hyacinth has emerged as a serious ecological challenge in Pune’s lakes and rivers.
The rapidly spreading weed forms dense mats that obstruct water flow, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, harm aquatic life, encourage mosquito breeding, create foul odours and degrade the overall ecological health of water bodies. Environment Department head Madhav Jagtap said the floating spider machine could play a crucial role in controlling the infestation and improving water quality.
PMC officials said the machine is specially designed to access deep, narrow and difficult-to-reach areas of lakes, rivers and streams, making it highly effective for weed removal and desilting operations. Following the successful trial, the civic body plans to deploy the machine regularly for maintenance of lakes and river stretches across Pune.
Officials believe the technology will help improve biodiversity, enhance water quality and strengthen long-term conservation efforts for the city’s urban water bodies.
