IIT Delhi Launches Aab Prahari App to Combat Monsoon Floods with Real-Time Reporting

IIT Delhi's Civil Engineering Department developed the IITD Aab Prahari app to help citizens contribute to flood management by reporting real-time flooding incidents. Know details here

The Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub at IIT Delhi's Civil Engineering Department developed a mobile application called "IITD Aab Prahari (आब प्रहरी)." This app is designed to empower citizens to contribute to flood management. The Aab Prahari app uses a citizen science approach, allowing residents to report real-time flooding incidents. Since its experimental launch in August 2022 and official release in September 2022, the app has enabled the collection of detailed, geo-tagged information on flood events.

The Aab Prahari app is available on the Google Play Store and allows users to send photos and measurements of flood depths at specific locations, which are automatically geo-tagged and sent to a central server. The app represents a significant leap in urban flood management through technology and community engagement.

It improves flood response strategies, enhancing city resilience and preparedness. As government departments adopt this innovative tool, its potential to mitigate urban flooding impacts in Delhi grows. This mobile application is adaptable for implementation in regions facing similar conditions.

The app has the potential to bridge data gaps that hinder effective flood response. For instance, areas with limited weather stations may lack critical information about rainfall intensity. In such regions, the Aab Prahari mobile application can indirectly provide this vital data. As a result, the app enhances the ability of authorities to anticipate and mitigate flooding impacts, leading to improved resource allocation and preparedness.

"One of the Aab Prahari app's key strengths is its ability to engage citizens in flood management. By democratizing data collection, the app empowers individuals to play an active role in protecting their communities,” said Dr. Dhanya CT, project PI and Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi.

The Aab Prahari app is adaptable, capable of being used in any geographical location and customisable. The Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC), and Traffic Police can each benefit from the app in the following ways:

• PWD can integrate the app’s data to identify and prioritize areas or hotspots that require immediate drainage infrastructure improvements in the short term, as well as plan for long-term solutions
• I&FC can use real-time alerts and GIS mapping to monitor flood incidents, facilitating more efficient deployment of pumps and other resources
• Traffic police can access up-to-date flood reports to manage road closures and traffic diversions during severe flood events

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