Kerala is throwing open a big opportunity for startups to develop a web-based digital platform for flood forecasting and warning along Pamba, Manimala, and Achenkovil river basins. The platform will be a major interface for accessing real-time critical flood forecasting data and facilitate timely and data-driven decisions to manage floods and optimise water resources.
The Irrigation Design and Research Board has come out with a proposal to develop the platform with the support of a startup. Kerala State Startup Mission (KSUM) has initiated the proceedings to select the startup for developing the platform, which will initially disseminate flood forecasting and reservoir operation results from the Pamba Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations System. The platform will cater to key stakeholders such as Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), Department of Agriculture, Public Works Department (PWD) and Local Self Government Department (LSGD). Official sources said the portal will enable real-time access to critical flood forecasting data, facilitating timely and data-driven decisions to manage floods and optimise water resources.
“The platform will make use of voluminous data generated by the Pamba Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations System on a daily basis to forecast flood warnings. The digital integration will make the data more accessible to various stakeholders, thereby helping the authorities to take timely action to sound alerts and follow safety protocols,” said an officer with the irrigation department.
As per the proposal report prepared by the Irrigation Design and Research Board for developing the platform, though the Flood Forecasting and Integrated Reservoir Operations System (FF & IROS) generates daily outputs which are essential for flood prediction, they are currently not in a user-friendly format.
“The proposed solution will automate the entire process, enabling the stakeholders to securely access the data, allowing them to view real-time flood forecasts and analyse historical data. The ability to compare discharge levels across locations and time periods will enable departments to monitor and manage flood risks more effectively. The system will integrate both the hydrologic and hydraulic results, ensuring a comprehensive view of flood risks across the Pamba, Manimala, and Achenkovil river basins,” the report said.
