Venkaiah unveils Red Atlas Map for flood mitigation in Chennai

The atlas, with probable scenarios for different rainfall periods, aims at flood mitigation, preparedness, operations and management aspects, official sources said. 

The manual provides information, including on corporation wards that are likely to be affected due to flooding, and the areas that may need evacuation in Chennai taking into account all historical datasets.

Both the atlas and the ‘Coastal Flood Warning System  App (CFLOWS-Chennai)’, which was launched by the Vice-President are intended as decision support systems covering aspects, including preparedness and prevention.

The CFLOWS-Chennai is a complete webGIS-based decision support system that can be used both for mitigation planning operations before flooding and in real time to for aspects like relief work.

Such initiatives to effectively tackle urban flooding are likely to be replicated in cities, including Mumbai, according to officials.

CFLOWS is an integrated system that involves coupling models of regional weather forecasts, storm surges and captures about 796 flood scenarios. The over 200-page atlas was prepared by the National Centre for Coastal Research, India Meteorological Department and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting in association with TN State Disaster Management Authority and Greater Chennai Corporation.

Also, the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India, IIT Madras, IIT-Bombay and the Institute of Remote Sensing of the Anna University participated from the academia. 

Earlier, addressing the silver jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Ocean Technology here, the Vice-President lauded the institution for its sustained efforts in six key areas of blue economy, including fisheries and aquaculture, renewable ocean energy, offshore hydrocarbons and marine biotechnology.

He batted for cost-effective desalination initiatives to fulfill the country’s drinking water needs and favoured more research to address the issue.

He also viewed exhibits on the cutting edge and socially relevant technologies developed by NIOT and released a special postal cover to mark its silver jubilee. The vice president gave away awards to student winners of competitions conducted by the institution to mark NIOT’s silver jubilee.

Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan congratulated the institute for “catapulting India to the elite club of nations-USA, Japan, France, Germany and Korea-with successful development and usage of 6,000 metres-deep Remotely Operated Vehicle.” Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and senior Ministers participated in the event.