Gurugram Implements AI and Drones to Monitor 181 Ponds

In an effort to improve the management and conservation of its natural water bodies, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has announced a comprehensive initiative to monitor all 181 ponds in the city using artificial intelligence (AI) and drone surveys. This project, which began with a survey in early September 2023, aims to collect high-resolution photographs and detailed data on each pond, such as land boundaries, depth, and water inflow sources. The findings will be made publicly available on the corporation’s website.

MCG officials have indicated that a detailed drone mapping exercise will commence later this month. According to Pradeep Dahiya, commissioner of MCG, the initiative is designed to enhance public access to data while aiding the corporation in developing effective plans for rejuvenation and conservation of these vital water bodies. “The entire database of ponds will be made available online, and their monitoring will be carried out with AI-based alerts,” Dahiya stated.

The monitoring system will utilize drones to capture images of the ponds from multiple angles. These images will be compared to baseline digital maps and geo-tagged records already on the MCG portal. If the AI detects any anomalies—such as new structures, land leveling, or changes in water spread—it will send an instant alert to the municipal dashboard, which engineers and enforcement officers can access for prompt verification and action.

MCG officials emphasize that this system is crucial for preventing illegal construction and encroachment on the ponds. Currently, a significant portion of Gurugram’s water bodies have been compromised, with 65 out of 181 ponds experiencing some form of illegal occupation. This includes various structures such as residential plots, commercial establishments, and even liquor shops. In one notable instance, a local councillor established his office on the site of a pond.

The survey has also revealed encroachments in areas like Harijan Colony and parts of Feroz Gandhi Colony, where former ponds have been occupied. MCG aims to expedite the removal of these encroachments and reclaim public land through the new monitoring system. In addition to addressing illegal occupations, the corporation is developing a revival plan for ponds that have dried up or been flattened over time. These bodies will be deepened to enhance rainwater storage and recharge the city’s dwindling groundwater levels.

Councillors have been tasked with gathering detailed information about the ponds in their respective wards, ensuring that local insights contribute to the rejuvenation efforts. The preservation of these ponds is not only essential for the ecological heritage of Gurugram but also for addressing persistent civic issues such as urban flooding during the monsoon season. Currently, the city reports waterlogging at 153 locations each rainy season, largely due to the disappearance of natural drainage routes caused by encroachment and neglect.

Restoring these ponds could provide critical storage capacity for rainwater and serve as a mechanism to recharge aquifers that are vital for the city. Experts have noted that Gurugram’s rapid urbanization has come at a significant cost to its traditional water systems. “Bringing technology into monitoring is an important first step,” commented a senior MCG official, highlighting the need for consistent follow-up on the alerts generated by the AI system.

With the implementation of AI and drone technology, MCG officials are optimistic that Gurugram can set a benchmark for other urban areas grappling with the challenges of disappearing water bodies and groundwater depletion. The initiative marks a significant move towards sustainable urban water management in the region.