Smart Urban Flood Mitigator & Groundwater Recharger

Description

This project, “Smart Urban Flood Mitigator & Groundwater Recharger,” addresses two major challenges: urban flooding and groundwater depletion. I have made a developed functional model that integrates technology and traditional rainwater-harvesting techniques.

The model demonstrates permeable smart roads that allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground instead of causing waterlogging. A bioswale system (a vegetated stormwater ditch) naturally slows, filters, and directs runoff. Rainwater collected from is channelled to a filtration unit made of sand, gravel, and charcoal, and then directed to a groundwater recharge pit that simulates a natural aquifer.

For real-time monitoring, an Arduino-based flood alert system with water-level sensors is installed. When water level rise, the system activates LED and buzzer alerts and the water is used in Hydro power generation .

Additional innovations include a hydraulic lift mechanism designed to elevate houses during extreme floods, water pockets in urban houses to temporarily store floodwater before transferring it to recharge pits, and the use of stored groundwater to power a small hydropower setup that can supply electricity for agricultural needs.

The model uses low-cost, easily available materials such as plastic bottles, gravel, sand, and mesh to replicate real urban infrastructure on a small scale. Key features include a self-cleaning filter system, modular components for scalability, and permeable roads for enhanced water absorption.

This project showcases creativity, scientific understanding, and problem-solving skills. It provides a sustainable and replicable solution for both urban and rural areas to mitigate floods while replenishing groundwater resources.