To mitigate flooding in Hindmata, Gandhi Market, Andheri Subway, Malad Subway, BMC plans to install Lidar-based waterlogging measurement and reporting system

Lidar technology works by emitting laser beams to detect liquid levels with sensors prone to fewer disruptions as compared to traditional mechanisms. If the technology proves successful in Mumbai, the civic body will link the sensors with other IOT-based devices, which can automatically kickstart mitigation measures at the flooded spot, as soon as the water levels breach a certain mark.

The experiment is in view of the rise of extreme rainfall events, where heavy downpour batters the city within small durations, leading to more instances of urban flooding.

The IoT-based Lidar rain waterlogging stem will aid the BMC in receiving data about the level of flooding at a certain location, without manual intervention.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner (projects), said that the idea is to check the efficacy of latest technology like Lidar systems to determine the level of accumulated water.

“Whenever there is a rise in flooding, the technology can provide sensor-based input that will tell us how much flooding has happened. This data can be used for multiple reasons. It can aid in creating awareness about how much water has accumulated and we can activate our systems to mitigate the flooding based on this data,” said Bangar.

“At present, the project is being implemented on an experimental basis to review how effective it is in sensing floods. If the technology proves effective in detection, then we will consider linking it with other IoT-based devices, which can implement mitigation measures,” said AMC (Projects), Bangar, adding that the systems will be implemented only in a few locations in the initial stage.

The civic body conducted a survey across Mumbai and identified six locations, comprising subways, holding ponds and mini pumping stations. At Hindmata and Gandhi Market, the system will be installed at the existing mini pumping stations.

Across the four chronic flooding spots, each system is estimated to cost `3.5 lakh. At two other locations — holding ponds at St Xavier’s and PM Garden, the systems are slated to cost `3 lakh each. Officials privy to the development said that the proposed estimate of each system encompasses the cost of Operation and Maintenance (O&M) in the first monsoon season.

In August this year, the BMC submitted a proposal to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), outlining 26 flood mitigation measures worth `12,705 crore with plans ranging from sponge parks and bioswales to advanced detention and filtration systems.