29 May,2026 07:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The new IoT system will allow authorities to monitor the status of every pump in real time through a centralised dashboard. Pic/BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring system for 547 dewatering pumps installed across Mumbai to tackle waterlogging during the monsoon season.
The new system has been developed jointly by the Storm Water Drains Department and the Disaster Management Department to improve monitoring and management of dewatering pumps operating in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the new IoT system will allow authorities to monitor the status of every pump in real time through a centralised dashboard.
The system records important details such as:
- Whether the pump is switched on or off
- Pump operating duration
- Location of the pump
- Water pumping activity
- Technical performance data
Officials will be able to quickly identify technical faults and take faster decisions during emergency situations.
BMC has activated a total of 547 portable dewatering pumps across Mumbai ahead of the monsoon season.
The distribution includes:
- 146 pumps in the city area
- 178 pumps in eastern suburbs
- 223 pumps in western suburbs
These pumps are mainly deployed in low-lying areas, railway subways, major roads, junctions and flood-prone locations to remove accumulated rainwater quickly.
According to the civic administration, the IoT logging system will improve transparency and accountability in pump operations.
The system digitally records how long a pump has operated, the duration of water removal work, and whether the machinery is being used properly. Officials said this will reduce manual intervention and improve efficiency.
BMC has also introduced geo-fencing and a dedicated Android mobile application to monitor the attendance and location of pump operators during the monsoon period.
Pump operators have been provided with smartphones to share real-time photographs from operational sites directly with the control room.
The civic body has deployed manpower in three shifts to ensure round-the-clock functioning of all pumps.
Ashwini Bhide said the smart monitoring system can also provide early warnings if a pump shows signs of malfunction or reduced efficiency.
In some locations, sensors have been installed to detect rising water levels and send instant alerts to the control room, helping authorities activate the required machinery quickly.
The Municipal Commissioner said the dashboard would help senior officials and emergency control rooms assess the situation more effectively during heavy rainfall.
She also directed that the dashboard should be made available across administrative ward control rooms along with contact details of concerned engineers for quicker coordination.
The BMC believes the new technology-driven system will help reduce the impact of waterlogging on citizens during periods of intense rainfall in Mumbai.
