Advanced GPS Devices to be Installed on Garbage Vehicles in Vasai-Virar

The Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has taken the decision to install advanced GPS (Global Positioning Systems) devices on the vehicles used for cleaning and transporting the waste. VVCMC has a total of 150 vehicles, which are divided into 120 tippers, 55 compactors, 70 dumpers, and 3500 dustbins.

The amount of waste has increased from 500 tonnes to 700 tonnes in the last two years. "In order to increase the efficiency of the entire solid waste management process, it is necessary to effectively use the available transportation resources," said Pawar, the manager of the solid waste department.

The devices will be installed in the next three months, while the older version, which started in 2018, is currently non-operational. The GPS system will include features such as real time location of devices, fuel consumption report, ignition report, over speeding alert, geo fencing, locating dumping grounds, alert via SMS and customized dashboard. Pawar said, "Its implementation will lead to benefits such as real-time monitoring of garbage waste collection activities, optimum route suggestions, and accident risk mitigation through keeping tabs on overspeeding."

The IT department of the VVCMC is responsible for timely monitoring and recording the above mentioned information. "The machine will be self-installed and also have a mobile application for easy access. Updating using newer technology enables us to build innovative ways to keep our city clean," said Harshad Patil, an officer of the IT department.

Solid waste management aims for systematic collection and disposal of waste. With tonnes of garbage collected each day, it indulges itself to promote missions like Swachh Bharat and the Plastic Ban Campaign in collaboration with NGOs and citizens. As a result, there is a plan to pass a tender for machines that separate dry and wet waste, reuse and recycle waste to make sculptures at various locations, manufacture fertilizers, operate waste plants, and implement e-waste methods and practices, said Pawar, the manager of the solid waste department.