📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / DesiBoy101
Technology
CIDCO to Deploy GPS‑Tracked Tankers, OTP Access and CCTV to Tackle Water Shortage
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 09:40 PM
👁 2
CIDCO announced the rollout of GPS‑enabled water tankers, one‑time‑password entry systems and CCTV surveillance to curb losses and ensure fair distribution amid worsening water scarcity.
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has unveiled a technology‑driven plan to monitor water distribution as the region grapples with severe water scarcity. Under the scheme, all water tankers operating under CIDCO’s purview will be fitted with GPS devices that transmit real‑time location data to a central control room.
In addition to tracking, the corporation will introduce an OTP‑based access system at tanker delivery points, allowing consumers to receive a one‑time password on their mobile phones before water can be drawn. This measure aims to prevent unauthorized siphoning and ensure that allotted quantities reach the intended households.
CCTV cameras will also be installed at key distribution hubs and tanker loading zones to provide visual verification of transactions. The combined use of GPS, OTP and video monitoring is expected to improve transparency, reduce pilferage and enable quicker response to any irregularities.
CIDCO officials said the pilot phase will begin in selected zones of Pune and surrounding areas within the next two weeks, with a full rollout planned over the next three months. They urged residents to cooperate with the new protocols to help manage the acute water shortage.
The corporation emphasized that these steps are part of a broader effort to modernise water supply management and safeguard limited resources for the community.
In addition to tracking, the corporation will introduce an OTP‑based access system at tanker delivery points, allowing consumers to receive a one‑time password on their mobile phones before water can be drawn. This measure aims to prevent unauthorized siphoning and ensure that allotted quantities reach the intended households.
CCTV cameras will also be installed at key distribution hubs and tanker loading zones to provide visual verification of transactions. The combined use of GPS, OTP and video monitoring is expected to improve transparency, reduce pilferage and enable quicker response to any irregularities.
CIDCO officials said the pilot phase will begin in selected zones of Pune and surrounding areas within the next two weeks, with a full rollout planned over the next three months. They urged residents to cooperate with the new protocols to help manage the acute water shortage.
The corporation emphasized that these steps are part of a broader effort to modernise water supply management and safeguard limited resources for the community.