- Scientific modeling, real-time sensors, and decision support systems to be deployed before the monsoon
Gurugram : Gurugram, which grapples with waterlogging every monsoon, is now set to receive a science-based, technological, and long-term solution. According to an agreement between the Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) and the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar) under the Aeravat Research Foundation, a pilot phase of the “Rain-to-Resilience” system will be launched in the city. This initiative aims to create an integrated technological framework for advanced flood prediction, rapid response, and improved urban planning.
Action Plan Before the Monsoon
The first phase of this project (0–12 months) will be implemented before the monsoon. IIT Gandhinagar’s Machine Intelligence and Resilience (MIR) Lab will lead the scientific modeling, system design, and technical validation. AirSQ Climsol Private Limited, an IIT Gandhinagar incubated startup, will develop the operational interface, 3D visualization, and dashboard. This structure will ensure a balance between scientific rigor and practical utility.
Smart Flood Sensors to be Installed in the City
Under the project, Made-in-India flood-depth and drainage-health sensors will be installed at vulnerable waterlogging points in Gurugram. These sensors will provide information on water levels, drainage capacity, silt accumulation, and blockages. Real-time data will be integrated with the Aqua Twin and Rain to Flood platforms to predict flood conditions. This will help the Municipal Corporation with early warnings and site-specific actions. This sensor network will also form the foundation for a future city-wide expansion plan.
Data to Remain in India, Security a Top Priority
A strict data sovereignty policy has been adopted under the project. All sensor data will be stored on secure, encrypted servers in India and will remain under the control of MCG and IIT Gandhinagar. No foreign cloud or external servers will be used. This system is compliant with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection law.
Pilot Phase: Software Free, Hardware to be Purchased by the Municipal Corporation
In the initial 12-month pilot phase, software platforms like AquaTwin and Rain2Flood will be provided to the municipal corporation free of license fees. The estimated cost of the sensor hardware is approximately ₹1 lakh per unit. The total hardware expenditure in the first phase is estimated at around ₹20 lakhs. All equipment will be the property of the municipal corporation. Technical maintenance will be overseen by IIT Gandhinagar.
Expansion in the Second Phase on a SaaS Model
Upon successful completion of the pilot, the second phase of the project will commence, involving city-wide expansion, 24×7 operations, and advanced modeling services offered on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. The potential annual expenditure will be approximately ₹30 lakhs. If the MCG chooses to set up its own servers, the cost could range from ₹3 to 5 crores. This phase could establish Gurugram as a leading data-driven flood management model in the country.
Significant Benefits for the Municipal Corporation
This project will provide the MCG with significant benefits, including short-term flood forecasting, real-time monitoring and dashboards, scientific identification of vulnerable areas, data-driven decision-making in disaster management and urban planning, and enhanced technical capabilities of engineering staff.
Clear Responsibility and Transparency
IIT Gandhinagar will provide scientific and technical guidance, while AirSQ will act solely as a technical service provider. All administrative and disaster-related decisions will remain under the purview of the municipal corporation. Potential conflicts of interest related to the project have also been disclosed transparently.
Designed with the “Made in India, Designed for Gurugram” philosophy, this initiative is a significant step towards transforming Gurugram from a city with traditional drainage models to a smart, data-driven, and resilient city. If this pilot is successful, Gurugram could become a national example of urban flood management in the coming years.