GIFT City: Residents and office-goers in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) have been able to drink water directly from any tap, without the need for an RO or any other purification unit. This is because India’s first operational smart city has implemented a cutting-edge smart water infrastructure system, providing safe and purified drinking water round the clock.

This pioneering initiative makes GIFT City one of the few places in the world, alongside Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Japan, where such a comprehensive tap-to-tap drinking water system exists. Serving over 25 residential and commercial buildings and more than 1,000 entities, the city ensures clean water reaches every kitchen, office, and facility through a carefully designed water supply and treatment network.

Comprehensive Water Management Cycle

The city’s smart water system is based on a holistic water management model covering the entire urban water cycle: supply, distribution, collection, treatment, recycling, and reuse.

Water Supply: Raw water is sourced from the Narmada Canal via a gravity intake system and transported to the Raw Water Pumping Station at Nabhoi. From there, a dual pressurized underground pipeline (12 km) delivers water to a proposed reservoir for city needs and recreational purposes. Inline pumping stations and transfer pumps facilitate efficient distribution.

Treatment Process: The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) employs a three-stage process, including pre-treatment, filtration, and disinfection with a dosing system. Treated water is stored in dedicated storage tanks before being distributed through dual potable water pipelines to buildings and consumers.

Construction and Utility Use: Raw water is also allocated for construction purposes via a dedicated raw water transfer pump. A feedback mechanism using level sensors ensures precise water delivery and prevents wastage.

Recycling and Sustainability

GIFT City’s system also supports recycling and reuse. Outgoing water from sewage is treated at a dedicated Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) using biological and filtration processes, making it suitable for non-potable uses such as district cooling, toilet flushing, and landscaping. This initiative aligns with the city’s zero liquid discharge objectives and reinforces sustainable urban development.

Real-Time Monitoring Ensures Safety and Efficiency

The smart water network is backed by advanced automation and control systems enabling real-time monitoring. Key features include:

• Leak Detection: Sensors promptly identify leaks, allowing swift repairs and reduced water loss.

• Automated Distribution Checks: Continuous monitoring of pressure, flow, and quality ensures optimal water delivery.

• Conservation and Tracking: Smart meters monitor consumption across buildings, helping balance supply and demand while promoting water conservation.

With this breakthrough, GIFT City sets a benchmark for sustainable and smart urban water management in India, demonstrating how technology can deliver reliable and safe drinking water at scale. DeshGujarat