• The Central Water Commission (CWC) has launched an app to disseminate real-time information on the flood situation in affected areas.

• The ‘FloodWatch’ app will collect data from 338 stations to send real-time flood updates across 23 states and Union Territories.

• The app utilises advanced technologies such as satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.

• It aims to use mobile phones to spread flood-related information and even provides forecasts for up to seven days.

• ‘FloodWatch’ will send out alert messages and flood forecasts in both written and audio formats.

• The app currently provides updates in English and Hindi but will soon be expanded to other regional languages.

Central Water Commission

• Central Water Commission is the premier technical organisation in the field of water resources in the country.

• It was established as ‘Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission’ in 1945.

• In 1951, it was renamed as ‘Central Water and Power Commission’ (CW&PC) after its merger with the Central Electricity Commission. Following the changes in the ministry of agriculture and irrigation, the Water Wing of CW&PC was separated as Central Water Commission in 1974.

• Its headquarters is situated in New Delhi.

• The Commission is entrusted with the general responsibility of initiating, coordinating and furthering, in consultation with the state governments concerned, schemes for control, conservation and utilisation of water resources throughout the country for the purpose of irrigation, flood control, drinking water supply and hydropower development.

• CWC is headed by a chairman having the status of ex-officio secretary to the government of India.

The Commission has three technical wings, namely:

i) Design and Research Wing

ii) Water Planning and Projects Wing

iii) River Management Wing.

• Each wing is placed under the charge of a full time member having the status of ex-officio additional secretary to the government of India. Each wing, comprising a number of organisations, is responsible for the disposal of tasks and duties falling within the scope of functions assigned to them.

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