Bhubaneswar: The State Water Informatics Centre (SWIC), under the Department of Water Resources, Government of Odishaorganized a technical workshop on “Introduction of Best Practices in Data Management and Digitization for Water Resources Monitoring using Artificial Intelligence (AI)” in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar (IIT BBSR) on Friday dt.13.06.2025.
The workshop objective was to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of government officials, domain experts, and key stakeholders involved in water resource governance. This initiative seeks to promote the adoption of emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, best practices, and technological frameworks to facilitate data-driven planning, efficient monitoring, and informed decision-making in the water sector.
The workshop was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Anu Garg, IAS, Development Commissioner -cum- Additional Chief Secretary, DoWR, Govt. of Odisha, who highlighted the significance of technological integration and intelligent data systems in addressing the growing challenges of water resource management. In her address, SmtGarg said, “We are preparing the “Vision document for ViksitOdisha @2036” and “Viksit Bharat @2047”, and when we look across various chapters, whether it is Women-led development, climate resilient, Odisha, focusing on good governance with IT initiatives, digitization and data management has its relevance. In this context, it is important that every departments to go for AI to improve their system for efficiency and transparency in work.
In his keynote address, Er.Krushna Chandra Mohanty, Director, SWIC stressed the need for adopting data-driven governance models to ensure sustainable and equitable use of water resources.
Dr. C.S Padhi, EIC, WR, Er. A. Sarangi, Director, IIWM, Dr. B K Sahoo, Regional Director, CGWB are other dignitaries addressed the participants during the inaugural session.
This initiative is in alignment with the Government’s vision of leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable and integrated natural resource management. The workshop will feature technical sessions led by subject-matter experts, focusing on real-world applications of AI in areas such as real-time water resource monitoring, predictive analytics, and digital data system development.
Officers of the State Water Informatics Centre, Odisha and allied departments participated in the workshop and it is expected to foster inter-sectoral coordination and expedite the integration of AI-based systems in day-to-day operations. The workshop provides a strategic platform to align State’s initiatives with National Development Goals and global best practices in Water Resource Governance. It also emphasized the role of the State Water Information Centre as a central knowledge hub for water-related data and its application in planning and policy formulation. The event marks a progressive step toward the digitization and modernization of the water governance ecosystem in the state and paves the way for continued collaboration between government agencies and leading academic institutions.
In the technical session-Iheld, Dr. Debi Prasad Dogra, HoD, Computer Science ,Engineering ,IIT, Bhubaneswar presented about Introduction to AI and Data Analysis: Scope in Water Resource management. At the same time a presentation was made by Team “Vasar” about functioning of Odisha Water ERP “GOWATER” : Smart Water Governance System, developed by Department of Water resources.
In the Technical Session-II, Dr. Sandip Patnaik, School of Earth, ocean and climate Science, IIT, Bhubaneswar presented about Application of AI in Rainfall Prediction whereas in session -III, Dr. Ram Prada Padhy , Department of Computer Sc. &Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Sciences, IIT, Bhubaneswar delivered about Deep Learning and Best Practices for water Resources Management and Dr. Meenu Ramdas Sarkar School of Infrastructure ,IIT, Bhubaneswar presented aboutWater Resources management and Digital Technology. This workshop was an interactive and it is expected that the collaboration of SWIC with IIT Bhubaneswar for initiating this valuable dialogue and training program will encourage all participants – engineers, data managers, IT professionals, and planners – to absorb the knowledge shared today and explore how it can be collaboratively institutionalizing these best practices in various departments.
