To check waterlogging this monsoon, PWD to install sensors at subways & underpasses in Delhi

“In places without the automatic signaling device, sensor-based alarms will send signals to the operator… who will then switch on the pumps to pump out excess water,” said an official, requesting anonymity.

The PWD has also prepared a standard operating procedure (SOP), applicable to all the subways of Delhi equipped with automatic water pumps.

A team of engineers will be responsible for operational monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water pumps. Operators from control rooms will be responsible for monitoring rain data and operating automatic water pumps. There will also be a maintenance team for regular maintenance and upkeep of water pumps, officials said.

Officials explained how the mechanism will work.

“The rain sensors will be installed at all subways to detect the intensity of rainfall. There will be an automatic control panel, which will control the starting and stopping of water pumps based on rain data. Further, the PWD has a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system for real-time monitoring of water pumps,” said another official.
Further, engineers will receive mobile alerts about water levels near pumps installed at the subways, with the engineering staff also checking pumps and motors, control panels, and testing the automatic control panel and the SCADA system regularly.

“On rain sensors detecting heavy showers, the control panel will automatically switch on water pumps, with the SCADA system sending real-time data to the control room. Engineers will monitor pump performance remotely, while control room operators will ensure proper functioning. In case of an issue, the maintenance team will be alerted,” said an official.