{
  "id": 15542332,
  "title": "India built digital twins of cities to predict floods. It’s now using them to find tax evaders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/india-built-digital-twins-of-cities-to-predict-floods-its-now-using",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T02:30:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Ken",
    "slug": "the-ken",
    "url": "https://the-ken.com/story/india-built-digital-twins-of-cities-to-predict-floods-its-now-using-them-to-find-tax-evaders/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Pune, India, engineers are utilizing digital twin technology, initially designed to predict floods, to identify tax evaders. The Khadakwasla dam, located near Pune, requires engineers to make critical decisions about releasing water during monsoon season. In July 2024, the dam released 35,000 cubic feet of water per second, displacing over 4,000 people. Despite warnings, residents in Ekta Nagari, situated right on the riverbank, were required to evacuate their belongings without notice just before gates were opened. Pune's digital twin, built by Genesys International, can simulate the city's response to various scenarios, such as opening all 11 dam gates at a specific time during a rainy day in July. Instead of focusing on flood prediction, the technology is now being employed to collect property tax from individuals who have defaulted on their payments. Since 2018, over Rs 500 crore has been invested in creating digital twins for 10 Indian cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi.",
  "summary": "The post India built digital twins of cities to predict floods. It’s now using them to find tax evaders appeared first on The Ken .",
  "key_points": [
    "Pune engineers use digital twins initially for flood prediction",
    "Technology now targets tax evaders in Pune",
    "Rs 500 crore invested in 10 Indian cities' digital twins"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Repurposing urban simulation tools for revenue collection signals a shift where disaster management technology becomes a powerful mechanism for state surveillance and fiscal enforcement.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}