The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Storm Water Drain Department has implemented an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system to continuously oversee the functioning of dewatering pumps across Mumbai. An IoT device has been installed on each of the 547 portable dewatering pumps deployed throughout the city to ensure rapid drainage of waterlogging during the monsoon season.
Real-Time Monitoring and Transparency
Through this system, the operational status, location, start-stop timings, working duration, and technical data of each dewatering pump are automatically logged. This information is available in real time on a centralized dashboard for concerned officials. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide stated, “The IoT logging system has brought transparency to the functioning of dewatering pumps. Since digital records are maintained on how long a pump was actually operational and for what duration water was pumped out, and whether the equipment was used appropriately, an accurate assessment of work is possible. This will reduce human intervention and increase efficiency.”
Distribution and Deployment
Of the 547 dewatering pumps operational at various locations, 146 are in the City Division, 178 in the Eastern Suburbs Division, and 223 in the Western Suburbs Division. Accumulated rainwater is rapidly pumped out and diverted to nearby drains, water channels, or the sea. The pumps have been deployed particularly in low-lying areas, railway underpasses, important roads, squares, and flood-prone localities.
Manpower and Coordination
Manpower has been deployed in three shifts to operate the 547 dewatering pumps. A pump operator representative has been appointed at the Emergency Management Control Room to coordinate with pump operators. Smartphones have been provided to pump operators, through which photographs of respective locations can be immediately made available to the control room. Geo-fencing of the mobile phones provided to pump operators at each dewatering pump location will be carried out. Through an Android mobile app developed for this purpose, the attendance and presence of employees working at various locations during the monsoon period will be monitored.
This innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the dewatering process, ensuring that Mumbai remains better prepared to handle monsoon-related waterlogging.
