GWSSB-Smart Metering Project, RFV for providing and installing water meters and service provider for designing, development, customization and implementation and operation and maintenance of enterprises water information system for Water supply department Govt of Gujarat.
Under Government Yojnas such as “Har Ghar Jal” and “Nal se Jal,” the Government of Gujarat initiated a tender in 2020 to deploy smart water meters in four districts of the state. In February 2021, EIPL was awarded the work order to design the product and software, as well as to install and maintain 525 smart water meters across these districts for a duration of five years.
The Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB) plays a pivotal role in overseeing water supply and sewerage services throughout the state. Over the past two decades, GWSSB has achieved significant progress in developing water infrastructure in the arid regions of Saurashtra and North Gujarat. This success is attributed to collaborative efforts involving various government entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and active engagement from local communities.
The primary water source for the region is the Sardar Sarovar Dam through the Narmada Canal, a project finalized around 2008. Due to the unique topography of Saurashtra, resembling an inverted saucer, the Narmada canal water is elevated to a height of 69 meters at Dhanki near District: Surendranagar. Subsequently, the elevated water is conveyed through pipelines to reach Saurashtra and portions of North Gujarat, establishing an extensive water network that extends down to the village level. The responsibility for local distribution is entrusted to ‘Pani Samitis’ for drinking water and Water Users’ Associations for the fair distribution of irrigation water.
Recognizing the crucial role of water in the socio-economic transformation of the region, GWSSB, in collaboration with various bodies, has undertaken commendable efforts. The effective water management model, involving the participation of all stakeholders, stands as one of the most successful experiments in the realm of water resource management.
In the endeavour to provide and install water meters across four districts of Gujarat (Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Botad), and to serve as the designated service provider for the design, development, customisation, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the water information system for the Water Sewage Department, Government of Gujarat, our collaborative efforts faced several challenges.
The initial hurdle involved convincing village and township officials, as well as citizens, about the benefits of the water metering initiative. Additionally, determining optimal meter placement to prevent disturbances or damage caused by locals, weather-related issues, or other elements posed a significant challenge.
Addressing the practical aspects, questions arose about how to provide power to devices placed underground and how to seamlessly transmit live data from the metering device to a central software system. The development of open-source, user-friendly software capable of real-time tracking of water flow and other metering elements for the government’s use presented another complex challenge.
Alternatively, the primary objective of the collaboration between GWSSB, and Excelsource was to establish an efficient and accountable water management system in the region. This entailed accurate water usage measurement, transparency promotion, and streamlining distribution through advanced technology, including GPRS-enabled Ultrasonic Flowmeters and the Smartlit IoT Platform.
The extensive scope of the project, covering an area of nearly 50,000 sq. km., required a comprehensive survey of the region by our project engineering team, collaborating with Excelsource’s engineering teams to understand their expectations. Challenges emerged due to the vast network of canals and pipelines, resembling arteries, necessitating the installation of flowmeters of various sizes at multiple locations for effective control and centralized troubleshooting.
Ensuring 24×7 real-time access to meter readings demanded a robust software platform with an easily navigable, user-friendly interface and dashboards accessible to multiple stakeholders simultaneously. The success of the project relied on reliable technology and a trustworthy partner capable of not only providing necessary technology but also delivering reliable after-sales service and instant availability of spares to minimize downtime, a criterion sought by GWSSB engineers.
In our efforts to gain the support of township officials and village panchayats, we emphasized the substantial benefits of our water metering initiative, elucidating how it could provide invaluable information for their long-term benefit. The data collected would not only offer the government a more profound understanding of the quality and quantity of water supplied to villages for both agricultural and household usage but also contribute to effective resource management.
To address concerns about potential disruptions, we strategically placed the devices 3 to 4 feet underground, ensuring minimal interference from external sources. These devices were strategically positioned on pipelines connecting sumps with the canal, allowing for accurate recording of water discharge and flow data.
Our innovative approach involved the design of a battery-operated ultrasonic water meter, equipped with a SIM card and Auto Meter Reading capabilities. This technological solution ensured efficient data transmission, with the meters utilizing SIM cards to send real-time information to a newly established software platform designed for live monitoring of these smart meters.
Recognizing the importance of credibility, GWSSB diligently assessed our qualifications before entrusting us with the responsibility. In response, our engineers proposed a solution featuring:
With successful installations of more than 525 units of UFM 6740 across various locations, our commitment to delivering effective and sustainable water management solutions remains steadfast.
In advancing water management, the incorporation of GPRS-enabled Ultrasonic Flowmeters (UFM 6740) has proven pivotal, ensuring precise and consistent water flow readings. The tamper-proof, obstruction-free design of these flowmeters guarantees reliable performance even in challenging outdoor environments.
The adoption of the Smartlit IoT Platform with GPRS communication has markedly enhanced data retrieval from remote Flowmeter locations. Leveraging extensive experience in software development and SCADA solutions, this platform enables streamlined automation in flow instrumentation, further contributing to the initiative’s success.
The meticulous verification of credentials instilled confidence in the selection of flow instrumentation solutions fromExcelsource, culminating in the successful execution of the project. The installation of over 525 units of UFM 6740, varying in sizes from DN 80 to DN 300, across different locations signifies the tangible success of the initiative.
The implementation of a billing system based on water usage fosters increased accountability among end-users, establishing a transparent and fair payment structure. This approach aligns with the overarching goal of promoting responsible water consumption.
A key achievement lies in minimizing downtime within the water supply and management system. This is achieved through the deliberate choice of reliable technology, coupled with a dedicated after-sales service and instant availability of spares, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.
The expansive project, covering an area of nearly 50,000 sq. km., intricately weaves canals and pipelines into a comprehensive water network, resembling arteries across the region. This infrastructure reinforces the initiative’s ability to address the diverse water needs of the community.
The collaborative approach, involving ‘Pani Samitis’ for drinking water and Water Users’ Associations for irrigation water distribution, underscores the importance of engaging multiple stakeholders. This inclusive strategy not only enhances the effectiveness of water management but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and participation among local communities.
In summary, these collective outcomes affirm the success and effectiveness of the water supply and management initiative spearheaded by GWSSB and its esteemed partners.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between GWSSB and Excelsource have culminated in a successful and comprehensive water management initiative. The strategic implementation of GPRS-enabled Ultrasonic Flowmeters and the Smartlit IoT Platform underscores a commitment to precision, efficiency, and transparency. The installation of over 525 units at diverse locations marks a significant stride towards accountable and streamlined water distribution in the region. This success stands as a testament to the impactful partnership forged in pursuit of sustainable and effective water resource management
Established in 2003, Excelsource International Private Ltd. (EIPL) offers complete Sourcing Solutions to engineering goods, plants and machineries, consumable items, hospitality industry, and turnkey project management to our clients across the globe.