In a significant move towards digital transformation, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) is planning to establish its first micro data centre dedicated to digitising the city's water supply system and its assets. This innovative facility aims to revolutionise water management through advanced technological integration.
Advanced Technology Integration for Real-Time Monitoring
The proposed micro data centre will integrate multiple cutting-edge technologies, including Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, artificial intelligence (AI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and various sensors. This comprehensive setup will enable authorities to monitor water assets across Gurgaon in real time, providing unprecedented visibility into the city's water infrastructure.
Inspiration from Global Best Practices
Officials revealed that this initiative draws inspiration from advanced water management technologies implemented in Israel, which is globally recognised for its efficient water systems. The project represents Gurgaon's commitment to adopting international best practices in urban water management.
District Metered Areas for Precise Water Tracking
A key component of this initiative involves establishing District Metered Areas (DMAs) throughout the city. DMAs are clearly defined zones within the water distribution network where water flow is continuously measured and monitored. This approach allows authorities to track precisely how much water is supplied to each area, how much is consumed, and how much is lost due to Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which includes leakages and theft.
By isolating these zones, MCG can accurately identify losses and inefficiencies within specific areas of the city's water network. This targeted approach is expected to significantly reduce non-revenue water and improve overall supply efficiency.
Comprehensive Data Collection and Analysis
MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya explained the system's functionality: "GIS will collect data from all our assets, and ownership and usage will be monitored systematically. By dividing the city into DMAs, we can precisely identify losses and inefficiencies."
The commissioner added that the centre will facilitate automated maintenance of the water supply and distribution infrastructure, marking a shift from reactive to proactive maintenance approaches.
Detailed Infrastructure Monitoring
The micro data centre will record comprehensive information about every colony, sector, pocket, and street in Gurgaon. This detailed database will include specific data such as the thickness of water pipelines in each street, the number of valid connections present, and the daily water supply in litres.
To support this ambitious plan, the corporation has begun collecting existing data from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and the canal department. This data integration will enable monitoring of water flow from main sources to end consumers throughout the distribution network.
Unique Identification System for Water Infrastructure
MCG has allocated unique IDs to all boosting stations and tubewells across the city. Through this identification system, the corporation will maintain detailed records including the number of motors installed at each station and their respective capacities.
Special sensors are being installed on all motors within the water infrastructure network. If a motor breaks down at any station or if there's a disruption in power supply, an alert will immediately sound at the micro data centre. This early warning system will allow officials to identify faults even before field staff can report them, significantly reducing response times.
Addressing Water Pressure Issues
To resolve common complaints about uneven water pressure—where some areas experience low pressure while others face water flowing in streets—the corporation will install flow meters at every boosting station. The entire network will be connected to the SCADA system, enabling centralised control of valves in pipelines across the city and continuous pressure monitoring.
Learning from Domestic Success Stories
Following their study of Israeli water management systems, MCG officials recently visited Odisha, where 24/7 water supply is successfully provided through similar micro data centres in 11 cities. This domestic example provides valuable insights for Gurgaon's implementation strategy.
Long-Term Vision and Expansion Plans
While initially focused on water management, officials have indicated that the data infrastructure could later be extended to other civic services such as sewerage systems and utilities. This expansion potential positions the micro data centre as a foundational element for broader smart city initiatives.
The centre of excellence is expected to be implemented over a two-year timeline, representing a long-term investment in Gurgaon's smart city infrastructure. Once operational, it will provide actionable insights for planners, engineers, and policymakers, helping streamline municipal services and optimise resource utilisation across the city.
