Integrative GIS-AHP Techniques for Flood Susceptibility Analysis in Nashik, Maharashtra

This study delves into flood susceptibility analysis in Nashik, Maharashtra, employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Nashik, a rapidly growing city along the Godavari River, faces significant flood risks due to its unique geographical and hydrological characteristics. With a population exceeding 6 million and covering an area of 15,582 square kilometers, Nashik's vulnerability to floods is compounded by factors such as rapid urbanization and diverse river networks including the Godavari, Vaitarna, Bhima, Girna, Kashyapi and Darna. The study integrates various thematic maps, encompassing aspect, distance to river, elevation, flow accumulation, flow direction, drainage density, contour, Landsat 8 imagery, normalized difference vegetation index, land use and land cover, annual rainfall, roughness, slope, stream network and topographic wetness index. These maps aid in accurately identifying flood-prone areas by considering surface features, flow characteristics and hydrological parameters. The findings highlight regions with high drainage density, low elevation and proximity to major rivers as particularly vulnerable to flooding. Additional factors such as land cover, rainfall intensity and terrain roughness significantly influence flood susceptibility. Through the integrative GIS-AHP approach, policymakers, urban planners and emergency response agencies gain critical insights for implementing proactive measures to mitigate flood risks. The study underscores the importance of spatial analysis and multi-criteria decision-making techniques in effective flood risk management and urban planning in Nashik. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the flood susceptibility assessment, incorporating a total of 11 parameters used in the AHP technique. By integrating these parameters into a cohesive framework, this research contributes to a better understanding of flood dynamics in Nashik and aids in developing strategies for resilient urban development and disaster preparedness.