Flood warning sensors for Mumbai rivers soon

Five rivers and two lakes in India’s financial capital city are all set to get flow level transmitters. These will remotely send the civic administration an early warning on days the level of water starts rising, especially after heavy rain.

 As part of the first phase of the program, these rivers and lakes are destined to get flow level transmitters costing about Rs 70 lakh for each transmitter device.

 As per the Smart city plan which promotes clean and efficient energy, all the devices will work on solar power and ready to be installed before the arrival of monsoon in June.

 Based on a sophisticated sensor technology, these transmitters are fitted with SIM cards and GPS (Global Positioning System). Once the water reaches alarming level, they send a  prompt message to the disaster control unit with the location.

 According to V Khankar, Chief engineer of SWD department, as of now, flow level transmitter in Mithi are not equipped to check the level of water during high heavy rains, hence require physical checks by staff. But now, these modern transmitters will change the game and it would easier to send the message to the concerned department for prompt action in case of an emergency.

 These transmitters will act like a bane for low-lying areas which have been suffering from floods because of late evacuation. These devices can work on live status, hence alarm an early warning for negligible loss of life and property.

 Apart from settling on five rivers for this programme, two lakes have also been added because their overflow eventually goes into the Mithi river. Some local politicians appreciate this move but they want more influence on the rehabilitation program for those living in the vicinity of water bodies.Â