Central Water Commission and Google launch Flood forecasting Initiative

The Central Water Commission along with Google has launched flood forecasting initiative. Under the initiative, numerous alerts can be sent to the public regarding flood situation in the region. Also, people can learn about current water level in the flood affected regions in the country.


ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS)- 2020


Highlights

Google is already sending public alerts to people affected by floods in the country. With the new initiative, people can now use Google Search to enter a query and seek key information about the current situation of water level in the flood affected area.

Background

This monsoon has brought long flood situation in many states such as UP, Bihar, and Assam. The water level has risen in regions near water bodies putting hundreds of thousands of people at risk. The initiative is being brought in at right situation. The flood alerts in India are issued by the Central Water Commission.

Now, with the initiative, any user with an Android phone can receive alerts. Google is currently issuing these alerts in Hindi, English and Bengali.

About the Initiative

Google is offering colour-coded maps indicating flooded areas. Zooming the map will give better understanding about the current water level in these regions.

In order to avail the initiative, the user has to search for “flooding” followed by the name of the affected region on Google maps.

Central Water Commission

The CWC was established in 1945. It operates under Ministry of Jal Shakti. The following are the main functions of the commission

  • To manage and control floods
  • To check on the financial feasibility and economic viability of different irrigation projects int eh country
  • To collect, compile and publish analyzed Hydrological data in the country.
  • To construct, develop, examine and implement schemes framed by GoI
  • Technical Appraisal of irrigation projects
  • To gather data about rainfall, temperature, runoff, etc.

The CWC is divided into three wings namely River Management Wing, Water Planning and Projects Wing and Design and Research Wing.

Currently, the CWC is implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project that is to rehabilitate 225 dams in the country. The financial assistance to the project is provided by the World Bank.

Dams in India

Most of the dams in India are maintained by the State Government. However, there are few organizations such as Bhakra Beas Management Board, National Hydro Electric Power Corporation and Damodar Valley Corporation that operate dams.

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