New equipment is now being used to clean up litter scattered on the streets. This small, scooter-like machine collects small debris, such as paper wrappers and plastic, using a suction system.
A video of this machine in operation was shared across social media, triggering active discussions about its functionality. According to India Today, the compact white machine bears the logo of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG). It is being deployed as part of efforts to improve the sanitary condition of streets and public areas in the city.
In the video, the machine appears quite miniature. It can be moved along the roadside, and a vacuum hose is connected to it. Staff members hold this hose and direct it towards the trash lying on the road. As soon as the hose approaches the waste, the machine sucks it up using a vacuum. The recording shows small debris, such as plastic wrappers and paper, being drawn into the device.
Thus, this machine is designed to collect small litter scattered along roads or sidewalks, unlike large cleaning vehicles.
The main reason for the widespread discussion of this machine on social media was its designation as 'automatic.' In the post where the video was published, it was called an 'automatic trash collection machine.' However, the video shows that an employee operates the machine and manually directs the vacuum hose onto the trash. Because of this, some social media users questioned what exactly is meant by 'automatic' if human involvement is required for its operation.
A user named Ashar raised the issue of the necessity of manual labor from the employee if the collection system is claimed to be automatic. Another user on X, Nasir Said, pointed out a broader issue, noting that no machine can compensate for the negligence of citizens who lack civic responsibility. He shared his experience, recounting how he was repeatedly threatened with physical assault by people creating filth when trying to prevent disorder in India.
Some social media users also expressed doubts about how useful such a small machine could be in a large city like Gurugram, with its extensive road network. Currently, the video clearly shows the machine being used to collect small debris from the roadside using suction. The discussion surrounding this cleaning procedure arose because it was labeled 'automatic,' even though the video showed an operator controlling the machine. It remains to be seen how actively such machines will be used to improve Gurugram's sanitation and how effective they will be in street cleaning.