Urban flood mitigation plan

Abstract

Urban flooding, a type of water – related disaster, is a widespread issue that affects numerous cities globally every year and occurs more frequently than any other water – related disaster. The impact of this phenomenon can be severe, causing significant damage to physical infrastructure, social life, economic activities and the ecological and environmental aspects of the affected city. Often, the flooding can surpass the capacity of the community to handle floods leading to serious concerns. The rapid urbanization and haphazard expansion of cities into peripheral areas exacerbate the situation, resulting in significant economic losses and extensive harm to buildings and infrastructure. The inundation of urban areas, which can last from a few hours to several days, due to heavy rainfall or overflowing of water bodies, poses a significant challenge to the community. Located in the south – western region of Maharashtra, India – Kolhapur, is a city nestled in a valley, on a relatively flat terrain in the western part of the Deccan Plateau. The city shares its border with Karnataka and is enveloped by hills and mountains, with the Sahyadri Range located to the west and Eastern Ghats situated on the East. The city itself is positioned on the banks of river Panchganga, which meanders through it in an east to west direction, dividing by the city into two parts – the northern part being hilly and the southern part being relatively flat. Kolhapur has experienced severe floods multiple times in recent decades. In 1989, heavy rainfall led to flooding and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture in the city and as well as in the surrounding areas. In 2005, another devastating flood occurred, resulting in loss of lives and infrastructure damage. In 2019, the city faced its worst flood in over a century, with heavy rainfall leading to the Panchganga river rising 12 feet above its danger level. Kolhapur yet again faced even more severe flooding due to heavy rainfall and overflowing of the Panchganga river, with the water level rising 14 feet above the danger level. The Municipal limits of Kolhapur city is set to expand with the merger of 19 villages, bringing a considerable portion of the city under the immediate influence of flooding caused by the Panchganga river, in addition to the existing flood – prone wards of the Municipal area. The expansion will result in an increase in area from 66 sq.km. iii to 189 sq.km and a rise in the population from 5.50 lakhs to 7.65 lakhs. The upcoming urbanization is expected to occur in the eastern and northern side of the proposed Municipal area which will further lead to urban flooding. The thesis aims to prepare flood mitigation plan of Panchganga river basin within the proposed municipal limits of Kolhapur city. The purpose and objectives of the thesis is four-fold. Firstly, to analyse the current urban development scenario and the proposed expansion plan of Kolhapur municipal area, with a particular focus on its proximity to the Panchganga river. Secondly, to analyse the patterns of urban flooding caused by the overflow of the Panchganga river within the Proposed Kolhapur municipal area, and to assess the role of urban development contributing to flood vulnerability. Third, to identify gaps in the planning strategy and development control measures that are currently in place. Finally, to propose appropriate measures in the form of spatial interventions and development regulations that can help mitigate flood risks and enhance flood resilience in the area. By addressing these objectives, the study intends to contribute towards the formulation of efficient flood management strategies for the Panchganga river basin within the proposed municipal area of Kolhapur City.