Early Times Report
GORAKHPUR, Apr 7: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently emphasized making life easier through modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, digital twin technology and flood modeling. Translating this vision into reality, the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation has established a national identity.
The AI-based Urban Flood Management System developed by the municipal corporation has recorded more than 65 percent improvement in reducing the problem of monsoon waterlogging. The country's first AI-based Urban Flood Management Cell (UFMC) has been established in Gorakhpur, which has received appreciation from Prime Minister's Office and NITI Aayog.
According to Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal, after the establishment of UFMC, the accuracy of rainfall and waterlogging forecasts 24 hours in advance has exceeded 80 percent. During the trial phase, out of more than 250 complaints, 70 percent were resolved within a few hours, while the overall system efficiency improved by more than 65 percent.
The system integrates AI-based rainfall forecasting, sensor-based water level monitoring and storm water modeling. As soon as the water level rises, sensors send alerts and the automated pumping system is immediately activated, ensuring real-time solutions in waterlogged areas.
In its assessment, NITI Aayog found that the Gorakhpur model, through data-based forecasting, can strengthen the disaster response capability of urban local bodies across the country. It has been considered a major shift from reactive to proactive urban management.
The Urban Flood Management Cell (UFMC) was inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on July 23, 2025. It is an advanced Urban Flood Early Warning and Decision Support System.
The Municipal Commissioner said, "Under the Urban Flood Risk Management Programme, work has been carried out on two major aspects. The first is the Urban Flood Early Warning System, which provides warnings and real-time information to deliver immediate relief to citizens. The second is the Decision Support System, which assists in long-term planning and policy making for the city so that flood management capabilities can be further strengthened and made more effective in the future."
This comprehensive approach of the Gorakhpur model not only enables the city to deal effectively with present disasters but also reduces the risk of loss of life and property in the future. Under this project, all important drains, all equipment, and all responsible officers and teams along with their contact details have been mapped. A total of 28 waterlogging hotspots and 85 points of interest have been identified in the city, which are highly sensitive from the perspective of waterlogging. |
