Kerala - Palakkad

SMS-based irrigation system for dam

PALAKKAD: The first SMS-based irrigation system for distribution of water will be implemented at Malampuzha Dam. Ajay Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Information Technology, told The Hindu on Saturday that the State would implement the SMS-based irrigation system as a pilot project in Malampuzha irrigation scheme, the biggest irrigation project in the State.

The project proposed to host a portal for dams for the Irrigation Department. Data collected from the dam site will be uploaded to the portal directly from the location. The information will be provided to farmers and the government machinery. The project envisaged developing an integrated system as information delivery tool for farmers and the decision-making body of the department. Details of water level will be collected at periodic intervals. It will facilitate maintenance of opening of the canals and update change in distribution, etc., Dr. Ajay Kumar said.

The farmers will be provided information through SMS on the water level in the dam (in volume); next opening schedule of shutters; the schedule of opening of shutters on any particular day, etc.

Registered users will get information on change in distribution, service delivery, water availability, schedule of opening and closing of shutters, emergency alerts, warning, notification, etc.

The information can be provided through the SMS Pull Service and SMS Alerts Push Services. Under the former, SMS can be sent to a pre-designated number in the following format SMS WATER to get information on water availability (in cubic feet) as at 6 a.m. on that day. Under the SMS Alerts Push Service, registered mobile users will receive alerts on when the dam shutters will be opened. A reservoir information portal is also planned.

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