Mumbai: The BMC will be installing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors on the dewatering pumps deployed in low-lying areas in the island city. The decision was taken after 80 new flooding spots were identified in city areas during heavy downpour on May 26.
These motion-based IoT sensors are designed to monitor the operational status of each pump. Currently, sensors will be installed in 100 dewatering pumps, said a senior civic official.
Following severe waterlogging and public backlash during Mumbai’s first heavy rainfall on May 26, the BMC increased the number of dewatering pumps to 514, up from the earlier reduced count of 417. The civic body had initially scaled down the number of pumps from 482 to 417, citing improvements in the city’s stormwater drainage network.
However, the early arrival of the monsoon exposed major lapses in BMC's preparedness, leading to widespread flooding in several low-lying and flood-prone areas, including the emergence of new flooding spots across the island city.
It was later observed that a majority of the dewatering pumps were non-functional during the rainfall, worsening the flooding situation. A senior civic official said, “At Hindmata, pumps were to be activated by May 25, but were delayed by a day, coinciding with the downpour. At King’s Circle, only four of six pumps worked. Chunabhatti and Yellow Gate also faced flooding due to inactive mini pumping stations. Contractors responsible for flooding in these areas were penalised. To prevent repeat failures, we will install IoT sensors on pumps to enable real-time monitoring and faster responses."
The BMC will place motion-based IoT sensors on the belts of dewatering pumps. These belts move quickly when the pump is turned on, and the sensors will detect that motion. A nearby device will collect the signals from the sensors and send the data to the BMC’s control room.
This will help track the exact time and duration each pump operates, ensuring faster responses during flooding and improving transparency and contractor accountability.
Dewatering pumps are set up in low-lying areas across the city and suburbs to remove accumulated rainwater during heavy rains. They work by channeling excess water into nearby drainage systems and natural creeks, helping to prevent prolonged waterlogging and reduce flood-related disruptions.
