BMC deploys an IoT-based system to continuously monitor functioning of the dewatering pumps in Mumbai

Mumbai: The BMC Storm Water Drain Department has deployed ‘IoT-Based Monitoring System’ to continuously monitor the functioning of the dewatering pumps. An Internet of Things (IoT) device has been installed on each of the 547 portable dewatering pumps, which have been deployed across the city, to ensure rapid drainage of waterlogging in the city during the monsoon. Through this system, the operational status, location, start-stop timings, working duration and technical data of each dewatering pump will be automatically logged and info will be available in real time on a centralised dashboard for concerned officials.

“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,” said Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide.

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, and the dewatering pumps have been deployed, particularly in low-lying areas, railway underpasses, important roads, squares and flood-prone localities.

Manpower has been deployed in 3 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 the 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.