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Waterlogging during rains is a regular issue in cities, towns, and even college campuses. Roads are unusable, traffic is slowed down, and at times filthy drain water flows into residential premises. The current solution for this is largely reactive—residents complain, and municipal workers come with diesel pumps or clear blockages manually. This process is slow, labor-intensive, and gives only a temporary solution.
My plan is to establish a Smart Drainage System with IoT sensors, smart pumps, and smart valves that stop the water from accumulating. Ultrasonic water level sensors and flow sensors can be placed within drain manholes, securely mounted so as not to be swept away by high flow. The sensors constantly keep track of the water level and sense potential clogs. The information is relayed to a controller (ex: Raspberry Pi). If water reaches a risk level, the controller automatically turns on an electric pump via a relay or contactor.
Moreover, smart gates/valves can be placed strategically at key points. Upon detection of heavy flow, the valves divert water to safe destinations like tanks, ponds, or green areas to save vulnerable spots such as residential roads, schools, and hospitals from flooding. This strategy makes use of both pumping and diversion for optimal use.
This solution is advantageous for:
- residents (safer roads, reduced flooding)
- municipalities (quicker response, lower costs)
- environment (reduced usage of diesel pumps, potential reuse of rainwater).
Some cities like Hong Kong, Jakarta, and the UK have already experimented with smart drainage and flood control systems, but if adopted also in india, such solutions could greatly reduce waterlogging problems globally.
This issue concerns me because I always find it extremely challenging to go out during rains because of waterlogging. I hope this solution can make traveling safer,reduce accidents and more comfortable.
With the help of smart drainage, we can turn rainy days from being a problem into just another part of everyday life.
