In a landmark step toward urban climate resilience, Chennai has become the first Indian city to deploy a fully operational Real-Time Flood Forecasting and Spatial Decision Support System (RTFF & SDSS) — a cutting-edge platform designed to predict floods with precision and help authorities respond swiftly.
The ₹107.2-crore project, funded by the World Bank under the Project Development Grant Fund (PDGF) and implemented by the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL), integrates advanced sensors and predictive models to monitor rainfall, river flow, and water levels across the metropolitan region.
The system covers approximately 4,974 sq km, spanning Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet districts. It focuses on major river sub-basins such as the Adyar, Cooum, Kosasthalaiyar, and Kovalam rivers, along with the city’s storm-water drainage network, lakes, and coastal zones.
Among its most significant capabilities is street-level flood prediction for flood-prone areas including Pulianthope, Nungambakkam, Mambalam, Saidapet, Velachery, Meenambakkam, and Mudichur.
The RTFF & SDSS utilizes a network of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs), Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Automatic Water Level Recorders (AWLRs), and Gate Sensors (GS). These tools collect real-time hydrometeorological data, which is processed using advanced algorithms to generate high-resolution flood forecasts and spatial maps.
Officials said the system will enable proactive decision-making, giving civic agencies and disaster-management authorities critical lead time to issue alerts, deploy emergency teams, and minimize loss of life and property during heavy rainfall events.
This milestone makes Chennai a national model for flood preparedness, combining technology, data, and urban planning to safeguard one of India’s most flood-vulnerable metro cities.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
