Gurugram: In a major step towards solving its long-standing monsoon waterlogging problem, Gurugram is set to adopt a science-backed, technology-led flood management system.
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), in collaboration with IIT Gandhinagar under the Airawat Research Foundation, has launched the pilot phase of the ambitious “Rain-to-Resilience” initiative.
Designed as a long-term and sustainable solution, the project aims to enable early flood prediction, real-time monitoring, and data-driven urban planning through an integrated technological framework. The first phase of the project, spanning 0–12 months, will be rolled out before the upcoming monsoon season.
IIT Gandhinagar’s Machine Intelligence and Resilience (MIR) Lab will lead scientific modelling, system design, and technical validation. Meanwhile, AirSQ Climsol Pvt Ltd—an IIT Gandhinagar–incubated startup—will develop operational interfaces, 3D visualisation tools, and real-time dashboards, ensuring that complex scientific data is converted into actionable insights for civic authorities.
Smart Flood Sensors Across Vulnerable Areas
As part of the pilot, Made-in-India flood-depth and drainage-health sensors will be installed at identified waterlogging hotspots across Gurugram. These sensors will measure water levels, drainage capacity, silt accumulation, and blockages. The real-time data will integrate with platforms such as Aqua Twin and Rain-to-Flood, enabling advance warnings and location-specific response by MCG officials. This sensor network will also form the foundation for future city-wide expansion.
Data Sovereignty and Security Assured
The project follows a strict data sovereignty policy. All sensor data will be stored on encrypted servers located within India and jointly controlled by MCG and IIT Gandhinagar. No foreign cloud or external servers will be used, ensuring full compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection laws.
Cost Structure and Future Expansion
During the pilot phase, software platforms will be provided free of licensing cost. The flood sensors, costing approximately Rs 1 lakh per unit, will require an estimated hardware investment of Rs 20 lakh, with ownership resting with MCG. IIT Gandhinagar will oversee technical maintenance.
If successful, the second phase will expand city-wide under a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, with an estimated annual cost of Rs 30 lakh. Officials say this could position Gurugram as a national model for data-driven urban flood management.
Built on the vision of “Made in India, Designed for Gurugram,” the initiative marks a decisive shift towards a smarter, more resilient city.