WRD to implement SCADA-based system to automate reservoirs operations this month

This month, the Water Resources Department is set to automate the operation of floodgates in the city’s reservoirs to enable real-time monitoring of storage and inflow, particularly during monsoon.

Every rainy season, the opening of shutters in major reservoirs and the risk of flooding in downstream areas draw attention. While the department has already adopted measures like controlled water releases to maintain flood buffer storage this monsoon, the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)-based decision support system integrating the city’s water supply reservoirs in Poondi, Red Hills and Chembarambakkam would enhance response time and help mitigate floods.

The system would automate the analysis of runoff expected from rainfall over catchment areas and provide a precise assessment of the time required for reservoirs to fill up. It would also ensure transparency by real-time sharing of reservoir details with other government agencies.

Officials of the WRD noted that most infrastructure and instrumentation for remote monitoring and operation were ready, and the system would be operational during the next heavy rainspell this season.

Work is also under way to integrate the centralised control room near the Cooum river mouth with onsite control rooms at the three reservoirs. Currently, shutters of Chembarambakkam and Poondi reservoirs are manually opened to release minimal flood discharge.

Once the SCADA-based system is in place, the department would have real-time data of various river basins, including Kosasthalaiyar, that would help continuously monitor and analyse reservoir levels, inflow from various sources along with their velocity to control flood discharge. Automatic water level recorders, flow sensors, gate sensors and bullet cameras have been installed to collate data and automate shutter operations.

The integrated command centre would feature graphical displays of reservoirs’ network, including inflow from various regions such as Vellore and Tiruttani, outflow levels, sluice gate and storage positions and data on tidal action in the tail end of the waterways.

The automated system would help authorities manage water discharge during peak inflow and minimise risk of floods in low-level areas during monsoon. The ₹32-crore project would also help optimise water resource management through diversion, through link channels to balance reservoirs’ water level and city water supply during summer months. The minor water channels too have various instruments installed for monitoring the network throughout the year, officials said.