Urban flooding, a persistent challenge across Indian cities, has been addressed with innovative technological solutions in Chennai, Vadodara, Davanagere, and Agartala. These cities have leveraged technology and strategic planning to manage and mitigate the impacts of flooding, highlighting the effectiveness of such interventions under the Smart Cities Mission, a key initiative aimed at developing 100 smart cities across the country.
Chennai, grappling with similar issues as Delhi, faced significant water logging due to rainfall, particularly affecting areas with underpasses and causing extensive traffic disruptions. To tackle this, the city invested in a high-tech Command and Control Centre (CCC) under the Smart Cities Mission. This centralised hub enables the real-time monitoring of all municipal services. By mapping and overseeing its 50 underpasses through the CCC, Chennai effectively deploys suction pumps where needed, significantly reducing water accumulation and maintaining smoother traffic flow.
In Vadodara, which struggled with over 30 water logging hotspots, the city has upgraded its flood monitoring system. Previously reliant on the physical presence of officers at each location, Vadodara now utilises closed-circuit cameras (CCTVs) installed at these critical points. This transition to digital monitoring has streamlined the flood management process, allowing for more accurate and timely information without the need for manual reporting.
Davanagere, known as the ‘Manchester of Karnataka,’ has made substantial improvements to its drainage infrastructure. After a comprehensive six-month survey of its existing network, the city embarked on constructing 69 kilometres of new storm water drains. This development, facilitated by Smart City funds, has eliminated water logging issues that once led to prolonged closures of schools and public transport disruptions. The city adopted a unique approach by employing a band system on electricity poles to indicate water levels, guiding the deployment of water suction pumps based on real-time data collected by CCTVs.
Agartala also embraced technological solutions to manage its flood risks. With heavy rainfall being a common occurrence, the city has focused on enhancing its drainage systems and using CCC to monitor and respond to flooding events. The integration of these technologies has allowed for more efficient management of storm water and better preparedness for adverse weather conditions.
These examples demonstrate how leveraging advanced technology can significantly improve urban flood management. By integrating real-time monitoring systems, enhancing drainage infrastructure, and utilising data-driven approaches, these cities are not only addressing immediate flooding issues but also setting a precedent for other urban centres facing similar challenges.
