BWSSB all set to use GIS in core areas

BWSSB all set to use GIS in core areas

: BWSSB’s biggest e-governance initiative to implement the GIS has been completed in the core city areas while the board is likely to take another two years to complete the entire BBMP limits. The GIS will help BWSSB to store, access, query and analyse data, which in turn will help to take quick management decisions.

The BWSSB has been working on the GIS for the last seven years. So far, the board has updated all details covering the 229 sq km of the core city and is in process of dovetailing the GIS with revenue billing, employee database and other details. According to the BWSSB officials, the data related to the newly added areas of the city would be updated in the GIS by 2011. GIS performs four kinds of operations — data integration, data storage, data processing and data outputs. Data processing includes data viewing, data querying, data crossover and spatial analysis.

At present, 22 layers of information are available with BWSSB. The most important among them are water supply features like water pipes,valves, reservoirs, fire hydrants, and pumping and sewage features like sewers, manholes, connections in cross roads, consumers, administrative boundaries and BWSSB offices.

GIS provides solutions to implementing a sustainable and durable water supply and sewerage network management information system, and acquiring geographic description and analytical knowledge of BWSSB’s assets, both over ground and underground.

As soon as the GIS is completely updated it would be connected to the internet and all the data pertaining to the BWSSB’s activities including the details of each and every legitimate connection can be accessed by the BWSSB employees by sitting in their offices. A top-ranking BWSSB official said, “GIS helps in effectively managing our resources and taking strategic decisions.

BWSSB is the first organisation that has adopted GIS.

BBMP is also developing the GIS and we are planning club both of them so that we can know those who have not taken water supply connection. It will help in checking water pilferage. It also contains details of the age of the pipeline and other details and it will help us in deciding when to change the pipelines.’’