The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will use a network of 1,790 cameras to monitor roads, junctions, underpasses and other vulnerable locations across Ahmedabad during the monsoon season as part of its pre-monsoon preparedness plan.
The decision was announced following a review meeting of AMC office-bearers and senior officials on Friday. The surveillance system includes 1,746 Smart City cameras and 44 cameras installed at underpasses, all of which will be monitored from the central control room at Paldi.
The initiative aims to tackle recurring waterlogging issues that have affected several parts of the city during moderate and heavy rainfall in recent years, causing traffic disruptions and inconvenience to residents.
Real-Time Monitoring and Quick Response
AMC officials said a dedicated dashboard has been developed at the main control room for real-time monitoring of rainfall-related situations. If waterlogging is detected at any location, alerts will be immediately sent to concerned zonal and ward-level officials through WhatsApp, enabling faster response.
Experienced technical teams have also been deployed to assist field staff during emergencies.
Catchpit Cleaning Underway
The civic body has completed the first phase of cleaning all 72,586 catchpits across the city. A second round is currently in progress, while a third round will be undertaken before peak monsoon activity begins.
Officials said regular catchpit maintenance is crucial for preventing flooding and ensuring efficient stormwater drainage.
Mayor Reviews Preparedness
Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot has issued a detailed six-page communication to the Municipal Commissioner outlining department-wise instructions and recommendations for monsoon preparedness. The letter covers preventive measures and responsibilities across various civic departments ahead of the rainy season.
Over 100 Waterlogging Spots Still Vulnerable
AMC officials informed the meeting that 147 locations had previously been identified as prone to waterlogging. While corrective measures have reportedly resolved issues at 39 locations, more than 100 vulnerable spots remain where water accumulation may still occur during heavy rainfall.
The effectiveness of AMC’s preparations will be tested as the city enters the monsoon season, when several roads and underpasses have historically witnessed flooding.
AMC’s Monsoon Preparedness Highlights
- 25 monsoon control rooms operational
- 42 automatic rain gauges installed
- 13 analogue rain data loggers in use
- 26 heavy-duty pumps deployed at underpasses
- 28 tree-trimming vehicles on standby
- 240 pumping stations and sumps maintained
- 40 vehicle-mounted de-watering pumps available
- 1,790 cameras for real-time monitoring
- 72,586 catchpits cleaned in the first phase
- 3,237 trees trimmed
- 43 discharge points connected to the Sabarmati River
AMC officials said all departments have been instructed to remain prepared to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions during the monsoon season.