Tue Jul 01 19:26:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

A project to automate Chennai’s reservoir operations and improve water management is facing delays due to pending funds from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. The project aims to install a SCADA system for real-time monitoring, automated flood control, and transparent data sharing, with a command center in Chepauk and sub-centers at major reservoirs. While the project is ongoing, its completion is uncertain before the upcoming Northeast monsoon season. The system will enhance flood prediction, optimize water resource management, and provide a backup data recovery center in Alandur.

**News Article:**

**Chennai’s Reservoir Automation Project Delayed, Flood Concerns Loom Ahead of Monsoon**

**CHENNAI, July 2, 2025** – A vital project designed to automate the operation of Chennai’s key reservoirs and bolster flood management capabilities is facing delays, raising concerns ahead of the approaching Northeast monsoon season. The Water Resources Department is awaiting the release of funds from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund, slowing the installation of critical instrumentation for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)-based integrated reservoir automation system.

The Rs. 32 crore project, conceived a year ago, aims to mitigate flood risks, increase emergency response times, and provide transparent access to reservoir storage data. The SCADA system will allow for remote operation of reservoir shutters from an integrated command center in Chepauk, with sub-control centers located at the Red Hills, Poondi, and Chembarambakkam reservoirs. This will enable real-time monitoring of water levels, inflow rates, and the ability to control water discharge during peak inflow events, minimizing potential flooding in downstream areas.

The system will also offer advanced data analysis capabilities to predict reservoir capacity and optimize water resource management, particularly during the dry summer months. Additionally, a “Near line disaster recovery centre” is under construction in Alandur as a backup for critical data recovery during extreme weather events.

Despite the ongoing progress, officials acknowledge the slow pace and are working towards implementing the project before the onset of the monsoon. However, the delay casts a shadow over the city’s preparedness for the anticipated heavy rainfall, prompting calls for the expedited release of the necessary funds to ensure the project’s timely completion.

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