Hyderabad: While there has been a discussion on using the Internet of Things (IoT) in real time, especially as part of the smart cities project, on the ground, the implementation does not seem to be a viable solution.
The state government had issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to use the Internet of Things (IoT) to detect drainage overflow by setting up sensors in pipelines in May. The project has been shelved citing lack of a proper response.
The drainage system is not high-tech and several leakages or overflows can be found at various parts. Whenever there is leakage it is difficult to figure out the exact location and quick alerts are not received. As a result residents become victims of stench and inconvienence.
The idea was to use sensors to detect variations in the flow of sewage and give alerts of blockages and locate them using IoT, send SMS to the nearest worker to repair it. However, the project could not be realised despite premier institutes publishing several projects.
A source said, “The project was cancelled because of unavailability of qualified people and currently there is not a lot of activity happening in the IoT area. So it has taken a back seat, but there are certainly future prospects.”
Several research papers and projects have been made on this solution in the country. A similar project was implemented in San Francisco last year.
Hitachi is to launch “O&M Support Digital Solution” on October 1 for the water supply and sewage industry using digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).
