Penalties were imposed for issues like image reuse and record mismatches, with significant amounts levied for minor and major drains, and the Mithi river

MUMBAI, GPN/ SACHIN MURDESHWAR: To make more transparent, faster and technology-driven civic administration in Mumbai, BMC launched ‘CivitTwin’, India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) based building / construction permission system.This system inaugurated by the hands of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Devendra Fadnavis at the ‘Mumbai Tech Week 2026’ held at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC.This AI platform uses 12 specialized AI agents to simulate the BMC’s building permission process, check documentation, read GIS maps, and ensure compliance with Development Control Regulations before official submission.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has taken significant action against contractors who were negligent and engaged in malpractice in drain cleaning work. After uncovering numerous errors and fraudulent activities with the help of an AI-based system, the corporation has imposed a fine of Rs 9,25,72,830 (Rs9.25 Crore) on the concerned contractors. Notably, the process of recovering this amount directly from their payments has already begun.

Under the instructions of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the Storm Water Drain Department has carried out this campaign. To bring transparency to drain cleaning work, the corporation has implemented a state-of-the-art AI system. Under this system, contractors were required to upload videos and photographs of 30 seconds before and after the removal of silt. After a computer-based verification of this information, several serious irregularities came to light.The investigation revealed issues such as not removing the tarpaulin from the vehicle while weighing, reusing old photos, inconsistencies in the images, discrepancies between the details of registered vehicles and the actual vehicles working, and failure to record where the silt from the drain was disposed of. Additionally, there were failures to present necessary videos and photographs, inadequate availability of machinery and vehicles, neglect of worker safety, and a slow pace of work, all of which were identified by the AI system.Regarding this, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar clarified that there will be no compromise on quality and transparency in drain cleaning work. The administration has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ policy, and mistakes made knowingly or carelessly will also be considered unacceptable. He also warned that stricter actions will be taken if such errors are found in the future.