Pune: PMC to Introduce Thermal Imaging in Water Plants to Prevent Disruptions
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Pune: In a bid to prevent water supply interruptions caused by technical issues, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is planning to implement thermal cameras and thermal guns in its water purification plants. This technology is aimed at enhancing the overall reliability and efficiency of the city’s water supply.
Officials from the PMC’s water supply department explained that these thermal imaging devices will be instrumental in detecting heat loss, poor insulation, and water leaks. By identifying these issues early, the equipment will play a vital role in energy audits and building inspections, leading to improved maintenance practices.
“The project to install thermal cameras will start with a pilot at one of our stations. If successful, we will expand the initiative to other locations,” said Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department.
This initiative comes in response to a significant incident at the Khadakwasla water purification plant in June. During the Ashadhi Wari palkhi procession, which brought a large number of visitors to Pune, the civic administration faced severe challenges due to technical glitches. The incident underscored the need for advanced monitoring and maintenance systems. The PMC typically conducts water supply repairs and maintenance every Thursday, during which water supply to most of the city is suspended.
Thermal cameras and guns will be especially useful in areas where visual inspections are difficult. The PMC currently operates 11 water purification plants that treat about 1,500 million liters of water daily. These plants, located in areas such as Parvati, Cantonment, SNDT, Warje, Wadgaon, Holkar Bridge, and Bhama Askhed, serve both the core PMC regions and the recently merged 34 villages.
A senior PMC official noted, “We are exploring various options and will decide on procurement after assessing the equipment’s utility.”
By adopting thermal imaging technology, the PMC aims to ensure a more dependable water supply for Pune’s residents. This move signifies a proactive step towards modernizing the city’s infrastructure and meeting the increasing demands on its water supply system.
The deployment of thermal imaging in water purification plants is expected to bring multiple benefits, including early fault detection, enhanced energy efficiency, and minimized downtime. This initiative reflects the PMC’s commitment to delivering a stable and efficient water supply to the people of Pune.
