AP Temple using tech to effectively manage power, water supply

Authorities at the Dwaraka Tirumala Temple set up a sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore, becoming the first temple in the country to do so. Through the system, power and water supply and consumption can be operated using an app on a smartphone. In case of a power outage at any level, the Devasthanam authorities instantly get the update on their apps.

West Godavari (AP): With frequent disruptions in electricity and water supply causing severe problems for devotees at various popular shrines, the iconic Dwaraka Tirumala Temple in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district is taking the help of technology to combat the vexing issues.

As the number of pilgrims visiting popular shrines grows exponentially, temple authorities are having a tough time ensuring that devotees get proper facilities like drinking water and uninterrupted power supply.

Keeping this in mind, authorities at the Dwaraka Tirumala Temple set up a sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore, becoming the first temple in the country to do so. Through the system, power and water supply and consumption can be operated using an app on a smartphone. In case of a power outage at any level, the Devasthanam authorities instantly get the update on their apps.

Even specific details like the volume of power supplied by each of the feeders, is shown on the app itself, thus allowing the concerned official to be intimated, even if he is out of his office. Thereafter, he can easily alert his colleagues to attend to the problem in time.

Necessary changes have been made to the electric transformers, generators, feeders, and even regulators in order to suit the app requirements.

Elaborate arrangements have been made in the power office itself, like the setting up of a digital screen which displays the utilisation of electricity and water in the premises. Through this, officials can know the exact location and reason of the problem, if any. Officials say it helps them take immediate action accordingly.

Just like in the case of power, the app also functions the same way for the water system.

The overhead tank and other tankers within the temple are designed to be visible on a digital screen from time to time. Water supply is monitored through the app, which provides information on the level of available water in the tanks and the amount of water required for the day.

A system has also been put in place through which the water supply to the tanks is cut off automatically, as soon as the level of the water reaches 90 per cent of the capacity, thus saving water.

Further, regulators have also been set up throughout the premises, so that wastage of water and electricity can be kept in check. Temple authorities claim that with the introduction of the advanced technology, they have been successful in effectively bring down the electricity bill by Rs 2-5 lakhs on average.

The temple, which sees a daily footfall of around 15,000 devotees, has built cottages and other accommodation arrangements for the devotees. Now, with the SCADA system, thousands of devotees are able to have a comfortable stay in the temple premises without the need for any additional staff.

Temple authorities said that attempts are now being made to introduce the process in the rest of the temples maintained under the Endowments Board.