more-in Mumbai: What the men have not been able to do for centuries in Mumbai, the machines will now do. The city is set to get its first firefighting robot, which will have the capacity to go through narrow alleys and be programmed to help during biochemical disasters. Essentially, it will shield firemen from harm in such cases. The idea was floated years ago and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department has finalised a contractor to provide it with one robot on a trial basis. The project will cost around ?91 lakh. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has seen an overhaul, especially after the Kamala Mills fire. It now has a special cell to inspect if establishments are fire compliant. Earlier this year, the BMC, in its annual budget, had declared its intention to buy a robot with a view to fight fire in compact spaces such as basements. These areas are typically filled with smoke quickly, leading to zero visibility for firefighters. The robot will also help the Fire Brigade during incidents such as the fire in petrol containers at Butcher Island, the recent one in the BPCL refinery in Chembur or attacks such as 26/11. The corporation had invited bids for the robot earlier this year with an estimate of ?1.11 crore. It has shortlisted M/s Shree Lalita, which quoted below estimates, for the job. “The robot will carry the water hose to the source of fire where there is risk to firemen. It can be operated from a safe distance. It will have all-terrain wheels, thermal imaging cameras for visibility, will be fire- and water-resistant, and create water curtains to prevent damage to itself. The company has provided around 800 robots to various agencies in China,” said R.A. Choudhary, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Technical). The contractor will have to provide the robot and its carrying truck with a hydraulic lift. The contract also consists of service for five years and providing spare parts. The proposal will be put forth before the Standing Committee on Friday. The automated firefighter will not be given special treatment, though. Like its human counterparts, it will need to undergo a visual inspection and performance test before induction.

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