Development of an Integrated Flood Risk Management Model for the Panchganga River Basin, Kolhapur District

Abstract

Abstract: The Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, on the banks of the Panchganga river, which is prone to frequent flooding such as 2019 and 2021. The region's topography, heavy monsoonal rainfall and poorly managed urban growth are significant factors that increase flood risks. The study aims to support flood resilience through developing a framework for flood management. The main parameters, that trigger flooding such as rainfall, slope, land use, elevation, runoff, flood depth and population density, are investigated. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is created with QGIS to perform topographic and hydrological analysis through spatial data processing. The HEC-RAS program is used to simulate the behaviour of rivers and to define flood risk zones. Some of the recommendations put forward are based on the principle of integrated river basin management, spatial restructuring, early warning systems and community resilience. The measures are intended to minimize the impact of flooding and facilitate sustainable regional planning. The study offers a repeatable approach to the districts susceptible to floods in India.