In Chennai, a real time flood forecast system & spatial support system has become fully operational now!!
Are you a resident belonging to vulnerable places in Chennai and fearing about the floods? Worry not hereafter!!
For the first time ever in India, a comprehensive urban flood management system has now become fully operational in Chennai. Unbelievable right!!
Information gathered is that a real time flood forecast system and spatial support system (RTFF & SDSS) that costs Rs 107.2 cr would cover lakes, rivers, SWD system and sea. It is really superb to mention here that not only reliable forecasts of water level in rivers and tanks would be possible but also street level forecast in many vulnerable localities in Chennai such as Pulianthope, Nungambakkam, Mambalam, Saidapet, Velachery, Mudichur etc.
It is noteworthy that the real time flood forecast system would cover Chennai city plus also approximately an area of 4974 sq km encompassing Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet, Ranipet districts etc. Under the system, Adyar, Cooum, Kosasthalaiyar, Kovalam river sub-basins are being observed.
According to some senior officials it was clear that officials at the State Disaster Management Authority had calibrated the forecast and arrived at norms for the forecast. Truth is that till now whatever data that was generated was not taken into account for decision making. It is learnt that after the arrival of NE monsoon in TN forecasts have been shared with the departments concerned for making decisions.
Integration with TNSMART:
It must be noted that the new system has been integrated with TNSMART, a web based decision support system for all types of disaster. Various beneficiary agencies of TN government are WRD or Water Resources Department, Commissionerate for Revenue Administration or CRA, Greater Chennai Corporation or GCC and Commissionerate of Municipal Administration or CMA.
It was later revealed by an official that findings of RTFF and SDSS would be disseminated through TN-Alert, a mobile app among the public.
