State-owned hydropower company NHPC Ltd has intensified its adoption of artificial intelligence to strengthen real-time flood forecasting and dam monitoring amid growing climate-related risks across India’s hydropower infrastructure.

The company has developed an AI-powered early warning and monitoring platform called eAabhas, designed to improve prediction accuracy and response times during flood events at dams and barrage sites. The platform combines Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, machine learning models, and real-time environmental data to forecast flood discharge with improved lead time.

NHPC has also established a dedicated master control room for continuous monitoring and management through the eAabhas platform. The system is aimed at enhancing the reliability of flood alerts, reducing risks to critical infrastructure, and improving safety for downstream communities.

According to officials, AI-driven forecasting tools are becoming increasingly important as climate change leads to more frequent and extreme weather events, including flash floods that can overwhelm conventional forecasting mechanisms. The initiative draws from experiences during disasters such as the October 2023 Sikkim flash floods in the Teesta river basin, which exposed vulnerabilities in hydropower and dam management systems.

The eAabhas platform integrates external datasets and live inputs from key government agencies, including the India Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Authority, and Central Water Commission. This integration enables faster, data-driven decision-making and supports coordinated emergency response measures.

NHPC’s move reflects a broader push towards digital transformation and climate resilience in India’s energy and water infrastructure sectors. By leveraging AI and predictive analytics, the company aims to strengthen dam safety standards, improve operational efficiency, and support India’s long-term disaster preparedness framework.