Sensor-based manhole monitoring system coming up in Hyderabad

A sensor-based manhole monitoring system is all set to be implemented in the city to send alerts regarding the unauthorized opening of manhole covers and detection of noxious gases.

Keeping in view of the monsoon season, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is working on this initiative and has already identified 266 critical manhole locations, prone to frequent water-logging across the city.

To be taken as a pilot project, the system will trigger an alarm in case of any broken, damage, unauthorized opening of manhole covers or manhole cover thefts and even aid in overflow detection.

An alert will be sent on to the command control centre, to be set up at Khairthabad head office at regular intervals after measuring the sewerage level to prevent overflows and act accordingly with planned maintenance.

In terms of gas detecting, the system will be programmed to detect noxious gases like methane and others further send an alert to respective circle managers and supervisors to take up precautionary measures.

A senior official of HMWSSB shared that this action would particularly come in handy while taking up sewer cleaning exercises and in avoiding untoward incidents. He explained that such system is already being used in New Delhi and are working to set up a similar system in Hyderabad.

The HMWSSB is installing safety grills on deep manholes to avoid any untoward incidents this monsoon. Of the 11,601 manholes identified with six feet depth, safety grills have been installed on nearly 8,500 manholes and the remaining are expected to be completed by the end of June.