Meghalaya has adopted AI-enabled robotic technology to maintain the cleanliness of the picturesque Umiam Lake, a popular tourist destination known for water sports and boating. The AI-integrated robotic boat efficiently collects large quantities of waste from the lake, which was created by a dam over the Umiam River as part of a hydel power project. This initiative is part of Meghalaya’s Smart Village program, in collaboration with the global non-profit Smart Village Movement and technology firm Clearbot. The technology was initially tested in Bali and aims to standardize waste management processes while preserving natural beauty and tourism.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Umiam Lake: A lake in Meghalaya, located at an altitude of around 4,900 feet, renowned for water sports and boating.
- Smart Village Movement (SVM): A global non-profit organization focused on fostering sustainable rural development through digital technologies and innovation.
- Hydel Power Project: A project that generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water, often involving the construction of dams and reservoirs.
- AI-Integrated Robotic Boat: An unmanned, battery-powered boat equipped with artificial intelligence for autonomous or remote-operated waste collection, especially plastics and debris, from water bodies.
- Smart Village Program: An initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development in rural areas through technological and innovative solutions.