New Delhi: India faces significant challenges in managing its water resources, due to a large population and diverse geographic conditions. The implementation of IoT (Internet of Things) for water monitoring in India can greatly improve the management of water resources as it enables real-time monitoring of water quality, efficient distribution, and optimised usage, especially in agriculture. IoT sensors can be used to detect water quality issues, leaks and patterns of usage, providing quick problem-solving and less wastage.
“Technology is probably the next driving force in the water sector, and there are a lot of opportunities available. We had been neglecting the use of technology and use of monitoring devices in water because we think that water is always available and it will be continuously available, until we realise that there is a major problem coming up,” IAS G Asok Kumar, former AS & MD, National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, said during the APAC 4th Global Water Management Conclave.
With increasing floods due to climate change, the use of IoT can enhance flood management by monitoring water levels and weather conditions and putting early warning systems in place. It can also educate the public via access to water data and conservation tips and help policymakers and management authorities make informed decisions.
This article explores innovations, initiatives and startups that have leveraged IoT technologies to enhance water monitoring in India.
Connecting drops: JJM’s initiative for better rural water access
Under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is using IoT devices widely to provide safe drinking water. This program has set up sensor-based IoT systems in over six lakh villages to check water quality. States like Gujarat, Bihar, and Maharashtra are actively installing these IoT systems to enhance their water infrastructure.
R-SAM-PRO: Water quality monitoring with IoT innovation
Satyam, a PhD scholar from IIT Guwahati developed an affordable IoT-enabled device called R-SAM-PRO to monitor water quality. This device uses cloud databases and AI to predict water quality changes and features low-cost sensors and free web services for data management. This device helps manage water resources efficiently by leveraging free web services for data handling, promoting broader use and sustainability in water quality assessment.
Crafting tomorrow’s cities with the “DataSmart Cities Strategy”
The “DataSmart Cities Strategy” is an initiative within Smart Cities Mission that focuses on enhancing urban management by using data. It involves integrating IoT devices for real-time data collection, creating open data platforms for transparency, implementing strong data governance for security, and building capacities in data analytics. The strategy also ensures engagement from stakeholders, and that data systems are standardised and interoperable for effective city-wide integration.
Fluid Robotics’ IoT solutions for wastewater management
Fluid Robotics uses innovative AI and IoT technologies in India to manage water and wastewater systems more effectively. The company’s robots, equipped with advanced sensors, inspect and manage underground water infrastructure to reduce water loss and prevent pollution. Notably, their technology has been applied in projects like the rejuvenation of Powai Lake and Mithi River in Mumbai, where they collaborated with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and helped treat large volumes of untreated wastewater.
These efforts are an important development in using technology to counter issues like water shortage and climate change, and also to promote long-term water management across India. By adopting more IoT solutions, India can improve how it manages water, enhance the nation’s public health, and support environmental health, creating a benchmark for water management for the world.
By Kajori Ray, APAC News Network
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