The Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration has introduced robotic and AI-assisted machinery to manage the recurring problem of flooding and waterlogging in Jorabat, located at the tri-junction of National Highways 27 and 6.
This marks the first use of robotic technology in flood management in Assam, reflecting a shift towards technology-driven urban resilience.

About the Initiative

• Launched by: Kamrup (M) District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan.
• Objective: To detect and remove blockages in underground drainage and culvert systems that cause repeated flooding.
• Technology Used:
  • Robotic pipe inspection crawlers to locate debris.
  • AI-assisted sewer-cleaning systems for precision clearing.
  • Floating excavators to remove silt and mud from waterlogged zones.
• Technical Partner: A Chennai-based engineering team specializing in automated drainage solutions.
• Drain Depth: Cleaning and deepening up to 12 feet to restore natural water flow.

Despite this initiative, heavy rainfall on the same day once again inundated Jorabat, exposing the limitations of existing infrastructure, particularly low-lying culverts and unscientific hill-cutting on the Meghalaya side.

Causes of Recurrent Flooding in Jorabat

• Unplanned Hill Cutting: On the Meghalaya side, increasing sedimentation and runoff.
• Encroachment on Natural Drainage Channels: Narrowing of outflow routes.
• Faulty Engineering:
  • Low culvert height at the tri-junction obstructs water flow.
  • Debris accumulation reduces discharge capacity.
• Rapid Urbanization: Increased impermeable surfaces and reduced natural absorption zones.
  

Significance of the Initiative

• Represents Assam’s first attempt at integrating AI and robotics in urban flood mitigation.
• Could serve as a model for other flood-prone towns like Silchar, Nagaon, and Dibrugarh.
• Strengthens urban governance under the Smart City and AMRUT 2.0 framework.
• Promotes preventive flood management rather than reactive relief.
  

Prelims Practice MCQ

Q. With reference to the flood management initiative in, Assam, consider the following statements:

1. Robotic and AI-assisted systems are being used to identify and clear blockages in underground drainage and culverts.
2. This is Assam’s first attempt at integrating AI and robotics in urban flood mitigation.
3. The main cause of flooding is excessive rainfall, with no structural deficiencies identified.
   

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 

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