PLANNING TO MITIGATE URBAN FLOODING - A CASE OF GUWAHATI, INDIA

Abstract

Urban flooding in Guwahati is influenced by rapid urbanisation, increasing impervious surfaces, wetland loss, drainage constraints, and gaps between planning regulations and ground-level development. This study examines these interconnected factors in the Guwahati Metropolitan Area, with particular focus on the Bharalu River Basin.A diagnostic–prescriptive approach is adopted using GIS, remote sensing, LULC analysis, Digital Elevation Models, drainage assessment, and policy-gap analysis. The study analyses changes from 2000 to 2026 to identify the relationship between urban expansion, loss of natural water-retention areas, surface impermeability, and flooding.The findings indicate a 220% increase in built-up area and a 41.5% reduction in water bodies, along with drainage bottlenecks, wetland encroachment, and backflow-related waterlogging.Based on these findings, the study proposes a Blue-Green Infrastructure and Sponge City framework integrating wetland conservation, catchment-based planning, ecological buffers, permeable surfaces, bioswales, rain gardens, and improved stormwater management to strengthen urban flood resilience.