The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, July 24, 2025 — In a significant leap toward modernizing disaster management, the Central Water Commission (CWC), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into its flood forecasting systems. This cutting-edge initiative, spearheaded by the Smart Water Resources Modelling Organization – Centre of Excellence (SWRMO-CoE), aims to provide timely and accurate flood forecasts to safeguard lives and property across India.
Established in September 2024, SWRMO-CoE has developed in-house AI/ML-based short-range flood forecasting models for Level Flood Forecasting Stations. These models leverage time-series data and advanced rainfall-runoff mathematical modelling to issue flood warnings up to 7 days in advance, a marked improvement from the current 24-hour lead time.
This AI-driven upgrade is supported under the Development of Water Resources Information System Scheme. It is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience and improve preparedness for extreme weather events.
Currently, the CWC operates a network of 350 flood forecasting stations across India, including 150 inflow and 200 level forecast stations. These locations were selected in consultation with state governments and relevant project authorities. Forecasts are made available through a dedicated portal: ffs.india-water.gov.in, while the 7-day advisory system is hosted at aff.india-water.gov.in.
To maximize reach, the forecasts are integrated with the Common Alert Protocol (CAP) used by State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). Alerts are also disseminated through social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and the Flood Watch India mobile app.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, highlighted this initiative in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He emphasized the role of digital transformation and AI in enhancing India’s capacity for early warning and climate risk mitigation.
By harnessing AI for flood forecasting, India is not only addressing immediate safety concerns but also laying the foundation for smarter, data-driven water resource management and disaster response mechanisms.
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