In Uttar Pradesh, cutting-edge AI and IoT technologies are transforming flood management with a 7-day early warning system. Developed by the Central Water Commission, this initiative enhances disaster preparedness, leveraging real-time data and community engagement to mitigate flood risks. With climate change intensifying floods, UP leads in innovative, tech-driven solutions to protect lives and livelihoods across the state.
Uttar Pradesh Pioneers AI-Driven Flood Alerts
Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most flood-prone states, is at the forefront of leveraging advanced technology to combat the devastating impact of floods. The state, which faces annual flooding along rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Ghaghara, has embraced a cutting-edge early warning system (EWS) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This initiative, driven by the Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, marks a significant leap in disaster preparedness, offering up to seven days of advance flood warnings to safeguard communities.
The CWC’s Smart Water Resources Modelling Organization – Centre of Excellence (SWRMO-CoE), established in September 2024, has developed AI and Machine Learning (ML)-based models for short-range flood forecasting. These models utilize time-series data and rainfall-runoff mathematical modeling to predict floods with unprecedented accuracy. Unlike the previous 24-hour lead time, the new system provides forecasts up to a week in advance, allowing authorities and residents ample time for evacuation and damage control. This technological upgrade is part of the broader Development of Water Resources Information System Scheme, aimed at modernizing water management across India.
Real-time data collection forms the backbone of this system. IoT sensors deployed in rivers, reservoirs, and high-risk areas transmit data on water levels, flow velocity, and rainfall. These sensors, coupled with satellite imagery from agencies like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), enable the creation of real-time risk maps through Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and CWC collaborate to integrate meteorological data, ensuring precise flood predictions. For instance, recent forecasts for July 2025 highlighted isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh, prompting timely alerts that helped mitigate potential losses.
The system’s integration with the Common Alert Protocol (CAP) ensures widespread dissemination of warnings. Alerts are shared through multiple channels, including SMS, social media platforms like X and Facebook, and the Flood Watch India mobile app. The Sachet National Disaster Alert Portal, managed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), further amplifies reach by providing area-specific alerts with actionable do’s and don’ts. This multi-channel approach addresses last-mile connectivity challenges, ensuring even remote communities receive timely warnings.
Community engagement is a critical component of UP’s flood management strategy. Training programs led by state authorities and NGOs educate residents on interpreting alerts and preparing for floods. In districts like Gorakhpur and Varanasi, where flooding is recurrent, local volunteers are trained to relay alerts, fostering trust and enhancing response efficiency. However, challenges persist, including limited smartphone penetration in rural areas and occasional infrastructure failures, such as power outages during heavy rains, which can disrupt alert dissemination.
The state’s proactive approach builds on lessons from past floods. For example, the 2023 CEEW report noted Uttar Pradesh as a leader in flood resilience due to its robust EWS framework. Yet, experts emphasize the need for continuous investment in technology and infrastructure. Tushar Tyagi, Senior Manager at Xylem Vue India, highlights the importance of advanced predictive models and community awareness to maximize the system’s impact. As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, UP’s adoption of AI, IoT, and GIS sets a model for other states to follow, potentially reducing the annual economic toll of floods, estimated at INR 2,000 crore nationwide.
Despite its advancements, the system faces hurdles. False alarms, a common issue with flash flood predictions, can erode public trust. Additionally, rapid urbanization and encroachments on floodplains exacerbate risks, necessitating stricter enforcement of land-use policies. Collaborative efforts between the CWC, IMD, and state disaster management authorities are crucial to address these gaps and ensure the EWS remains effective in protecting Uttar Pradesh’s 24 crore residents.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Central Water Commission, India Meteorological Department, and insights from disaster management experts. Data and technological details are sourced from credible publications and may be subject to updates as new information emerges.