Lodestar, a low-cost multi-hazard early warning and decision-support system, is set to be operationalised in Guwahati over the coming year. It aims to help authorities identify flooding in real time and predict its likely spread 1, 3 and 6 hours ahead.

What is Lodestar?

• Lodestar combines artificial intelligence, process-based modelling, real-time sensors, computer vision and community participation to improve disaster preparedness.
• The initiative has emerged from the India–Netherlands bilateral initiative and brings together academic institutions, government agencies and technical partners.

Who is involved?

• The implementation roadmap is being reviewed by the Assam Government, with participation from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority and Water Resources Department.
• IIT Guwahati is among the key knowledge and technical partners, along with IIT Tirupati, IIS Bengaluru, Wageningen University, VHL Netherlands, MetaMeta and Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy.
• The initiative is also supported by the National Institute of Disaster Management, Assam State Disaster Management Authority and Dordrecht Municipal Authority.

How will the system work?

The major strength of Lodestar is its ability to bring different sources of information onto one common platform.

• It will integrate Government closed-circuit television networks, rainfall and weather information, upstream hydrometeorological data and real-time sensor observations.
• Hydrological and hydraulic models will help understand how rainfall translates into water flow and flooding.
• Computer vision can use visual information to identify and monitor developing flood situations.
• Citizen-generated information can supplement official observations and improve understanding of conditions on the ground.

The system is expected to provide authorities with a real-time picture of an evolving flood event, helping them decide where evacuation, emergency response or other preparedness measures may be required.

Beyond floods

• Lodestar is proposed to become a broader multi-hazard decision-support system for Guwahati. 
• The platform may subsequently incorporate hazards such as landslides, making it relevant to the city’s wider disaster-risk profile.

Exam Hook –Prelims

Consider the following statements about Lodestar:

1. It integrates real-time sensing, artificial intelligence and hydrological modelling.
2. It is being operationalised in Guwahati for flood forecasting and decision support.
3. It is designed exclusively for earthquake early warning.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only.

One-line wrap: Lodestar represents the shift from reactive disaster response to technology-enabled anticipatory action through integrated, real-time risk information.