New AI Solution Aims to Tackle Urban Flooding in India
Monsoon season in India brings much-needed rain for crops and water supply, but it can also cause severe flooding on roads and disrupt train services, affecting economies in many cities.
To address this issue, Udit Bhatia, a scientist from Northeastern University, has launched a startup named AIResQ, which uses artificial intelligence to improve predictions of rainfall and provide solutions for urban flooding in India.
The AIResQ program goes beyond mere flood prediction; it offers real-time insights, helping cities alleviate severe traffic and flooding problems during the rainy months from June to September. Bhatia, who is also an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, explained that AIResQ not only forecasts when it will rain but also can predict traffic issues that may arise a few hours later, providing actionable steps to mitigate problems.
For instance, if rain is expected at 3 p.m., the program can estimate which areas might experience heavy traffic by 6 or 7 p.m., a peak time for commuters. AIResQ then proposes solutions based on the water’s depth, flow direction, and volume. This innovative approach combines knowledge of physics and AI, offering a modern way to address urban flooding challenges.
Currently, cities like Gurugram, near New Delhi, and Changodar in Gujarat are collaborating with AIResQ to tackle flooding issues. Vivek P. Kapadia, a board member of AIResQ, emphasized that the focus isn’t just on predicting floods but understanding their impact on infrastructure and how to act quickly.
The data generated by AIResQ is particularly vital for transportation networks, such as Indian Railways, helping identify vulnerable areas and prioritize where to allocate resources during extreme rainfall.
Bhatia’s startup is also piloting low-cost sensors throughout the streets to continuously monitor water levels during rain. While satellite sensors can show flooding extent, they often miss crucial details like water depth and flow, which are essential for effective disaster response.
In addition to high-tech solutions, AIResQ has developed a platform where residents can report flooding levels in real-time. This citizen-driven data collection, described as “urban citizen science” by Bhatia’s advisor, Auroop Ganguly, is currently active on the Gurugram city website.
Bhatia credits his time at Northeastern for equipping him with the skills to blend research with practical action. His experience included teaching and working on various climate resilience projects.
Kapadia, a retired Gujarat government official, highlighted that the ultimate beneficiaries of AIResQ are the people living in cities utilizing this technology, as it aims for better flood predictions, preparedness, and responses, leading to improved resilience for everyone involved.
