Hyderabad Leads Smart Cities in Water Conservation
A cutting-edge water management system developed in Hyderabad is poised to redefine urban water conservation, offering a viable solution to one of India’s most pressing civic challenges. The ‘Digital Twin’ system, engineered by the Smart Living Lab at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-H), integrates advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology and real-time simulation software to curb water wastage in smart cities. The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of sustainability and efficient resource management, positioning Hyderabad as a pioneer in technology-driven urban governance.
The system, which has undergone extensive trials at the IIIT-H campus, is now being tested in a residential colony in Gachibowli following a request from Hyderabad’s water board officials. Additionally, discussions are ongoing to deploy it in Karimnagar, an emerging smart city under India’s national Smart Cities Mission. The urgency for such a technological intervention is underscored by alarming statistics: nearly 20-25 per cent of urban water supply is lost due to pipeline leaks, inefficient gravity-fed systems, excessive pumping by high-powered motors, and waste from tanker supplies. The Digital Twin system aims to mitigate these losses by providing real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated control over water distribution networks, ensuring that every drop is utilised optimally.
At the core of the system lies a network of high-precision sensors installed along pipelines from storage tanks to end-user distribution points. These sensors continuously relay data to a central command centre, where IoT-enabled monitoring screens display live updates on pressure fluctuations, potential leaks, and flow inconsistencies. In the event of an identified breach, the system’s simulator software can autonomously activate shut-off valves to prevent further loss, marking a significant leap from traditional manual interventions that often result in delayed responses and exacerbated wastage. Furthermore, the system has the capability to assess pollution levels in the water supply, reinforcing its role in enhancing both water conservation and public health. The financial feasibility of this solution further underscores its potential for large-scale adoption. Estimates suggest that implementing the Digital Twin system in a city with a population between 500,000 and 1 million would require an investment of approximately Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore. This cost, while substantial, pales in comparison to the economic and environmental benefits it promises in the long term. “Smart cities will derive immense advantages from this technology, as it not only streamlines water supply monitoring but also ensures that urban resources are managed efficiently,” said Anuradha Wattem, Chief Technology Architect at the Smart Living Lab.
With climate change and rapid urbanisation exacerbating water scarcity across India, solutions such as the Digital Twin system offer a sustainable roadmap for the future. If successfully integrated into smart city infrastructure, the technology could set a benchmark for water conservation nationwide, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to address the challenges of modern urban living.
