Union Minister Advocates AI and Robotics for Intelligent Waste Segregation and Recycling
The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, has highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in waste management. Speaking at a press conference after reviewing the progress of the Swachhata Special Campaign 3.0, Singh emphasized the need for intelligent waste segregation and swift disposal.
Singh proposed the use of a trinity of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Drones to effectively manage waste. He suggested the development of an Artificial Intelligence-driven module that could segregate solid and liquid waste. This waste could then be loaded onto a robot and transported by a drone to the respective destination.
The Union Minister stressed that every piece of garbage has inherent value and can be converted into wealth. To support this concept, the Department of Science and Technology, Technology Development Board, and CSIR have launched the ‘Recycling on Wheels’ bus. This mobile facility can generate wealth from waste at different locations.
Singh also mentioned the development of a Repurposed Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) van by the Indian Institute of Petroleum. This van collects used cooking oil and converts it into biofuel, showcasing the potential of recycling and reuse.
The Swachhata campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has gained momentum as a mass movement. It focuses on various aspects of waste management, including the construction of toilets, disposal of junk files, and now, wealth generation from waste.
Under the Special Campaign 3.0, the Government has earned a total revenue of Rs. 776 crore through the disposal of scrap, with Rs. 176 crore generated in the last 20 days alone. This revenue generation reflects the growing success of waste management initiatives.
The Union Minister commended the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) for its role in overseeing the campaign’s progress. Singh urged all Ministries/Departments to adopt a saturation approach to ensure comprehensive implementation across the country.
The progress of the Special Campaign 3.0 is closely monitored through a dedicated portal, where regular review meetings are held. The campaign concludes on October 31, 2023, with the evaluation phase commencing in the first week of November.
Overall, the Union Minister’s advocacy for utilizing AI, Robotics, and Drones in waste management reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing technology for the greater good. With a focus on wealth generation from waste, the Swachhata campaign continues to drive positive change in India’s waste management practices.
