IIT Gandhinagar launches AI ARC Centre for climate risk studies

Centre to strengthen data-driven urban resilience planning

The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has launched a new AI Resilience and Command (ARC) Centre aimed at improving climate-risk management and urban resilience through advanced data-driven technologies. The centre has been established at the IIT Gandhinagar Research Park to support better decision-making in climate and disaster management. According to the institute, the ARC Centre focuses on connecting the entire disaster-management chain from rainfall events to resilience planning. It integrates flood forecasting, mobility impact analysis, and operational decision support into a unified physics-guided artificial intelligence framework.

Focus on real-time flood prediction and risk analysis

The ARC Centre uses a combination of physics-based modelling and artificial intelligence to enable real-time flood assessment, scenario analysis, and decision-making support for urban infrastructure systems. The research initiative is supported by teams working under the AICoE project and AIResQ ClimSols Pvt Ltd, a deep-tech company incubated at IIT Gandhinagar. Officials said the centre’s tools allow faster simulation of climate risks, real-time flood forecasting, and exploration of multiple “what-if” disaster scenarios while maintaining scientific accuracy. The decision-support systems aim to help policymakers and urban planners take proactive and coordinated action during climate emergencies. The institute also stated that the project aligns with the broader national vision of improving sustainable urban growth and protecting livelihoods.

Experts stress need for technology-driven governance

During the launch event, senior government officials and researchers emphasised the importance of adopting scientific and data-driven approaches in governance and disaster management. Experts highlighted that advanced computational tools and automation can significantly reduce the time required to process large-scale climate data and generate solutions. Former Gujarat government secretary and IITGN Professor of Practice Dr Vivek Kapadia stressed the need to shift from ad hoc decision-making to structured, technology-backed systems. He added that such AI-based platforms can strengthen governance efficiency and support inclusive and sustainable development.

Supporting safer cities and sustainable development

IIT Gandhinagar stated that the ARC Centre will contribute to building safer cities by enabling anticipatory responses to climate threats such as floods and extreme weather events. The institute believes the initiative will play a major role in strengthening disaster preparedness and urban resilience across India. The centre is expected to collaborate with government agencies and research organisations to develop scalable climate-risk solutions using AI-powered decision tools.