Author(s): Dilip K. Gautam; Ram G. Kharbuja
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Hydrological Model; Hydrodynamic Model; Geographic Information System; Integrated Water Resources Management; Flood Hazard Map
Abstract: Bagmati River originates from Northern hills of Kathmandu valley and flows through the middle of the valley. A major flood disaster has occurred in Bagmati river basin on 19-21 July, 1993 which was caused by intensive rainfall in the central region of Nepal. 540 mm of 24 hour rainfall with intensity as high as 65 mm per hour was recorded which was the highest ever recorded in the history of Nepal. The floods caused heavy damages to Bagmati barrage and Kulekhani Hydropower Plant. Many villages and several bridges were washed away and the disaster claimed the life of about 1336 persons including 163 injured. Property loss was tentatively estimated to be NRs 4. 9 billion (Gautam and Pokhrel, 2004). Kathmandu valley is vulnerable to flood hazard due to rapid encroachment of settlement in flood plains of the Bagmati River. The loss of property occurred due to inundation along the Bagmati River and its tributaries in July of 2002 were considerably high and unforgettable for the residents of the valley. The flood hazard mapping of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu valley will provide guidelines for development of built-up areas along the river bank and help to minimize loss of life and property due to floods. Hydrological and hydrodynamic models coupled with geographic information system (GIS) are powerful tools for quantitative and qualitative monitoring of spatial and temporal variation of flows in the river. The dynamic capability of GIS interfaced models which provide impressive visual perception in the sense of spatial and temporal variation of the modeling results in different scenarios for planners, could be used as a decision making tool for better urban planning and sustainable integrated water resources management.
Year: 2005