Dam issue: Programmer develops warning system

KOCHI: At a time when the Central and state governments are engaged in discussion on the Mullaperiyar dam, a technology that can save the lives and properties of lakhs in case of a dam breach is awaiting recognition of the authorities. K G Omanakuttan, a native of Kumily, has developed a software that can provide an early warning in case of a dam breach. The system functions on  the basis of the water-level and will alert the control room if there is extraordinary increase or decrease in water level.The alert is given with the help of communication devices. The time for the water to reach the populated area can also be calculated.“The area where the dam is located has special geographical features. By using the alert, authorities can evacuate people immediately,” says Omanakuttan. On the method of operation, he said the system comprises three components - water level control, sensor panel and programme level. The water level control is a disc filled with an airbag. The aluminium disc has certain weight and it applies  pressure to the water. The water level control passes through the sensor panel. The number of sensor depends on the height of the dam and the software can detect the time variation when the disc passes through each sensor. The height of the dam is divided into various parts of the dam and the signals from the sensor panel is checked every second. The computer installed in the control room detect the variations and the information can be sent to people by SMS. “The software can give accurate information regarding excessive water in the reservoir. The pictures of the dam and its premises can be taken by a web camera and can be sent to the control room at certain intervals. Further areas, where water reaches in case of burst should be marked and sirens should be installed at various points, he says.  A postgraduate in computer application, Omanakuttan is working as senior programmer with an IT company in Thiruvananthapuram.“The apprehension regarding the safety of the dam is high these days than ever before. If we take a precaution, we can save at least the lives of people,” he says.