Urban Drainage Efficiency and Waterlogging Vulnerability Assessment through Field Surveys and Topographic Analysis: A Case Study of Balaghat City, Madhya Pradesh, India

Urban waterlogging has become an increasingly significant challenge in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities due to inadequate drainage infrastructure, unplanned urban expansion, and changing rainfall patterns. The present study assesses urban drainage efficiency and waterlogging vulnerability in Balaghat City, Madhya Pradesh, India, through systematic field surveys, topographic analysis, and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping. Field investigations were conducted across representative urban locations to collect data on elevation, drainage condition, water stagnation, and drainage obstructions using GPS-based surveys and direct observations. A Waterlogging Vulnerability Index (WVI) was developed by integrating four weighted parameters: elevation (0.35), drainage condition (0.30), water stagnation (0.20), and waste accumulation/flow obstruction (0.15). The WVI classified surveyed locations into low, moderate, and high vulnerability categories. Elevation analysis revealed a topographic range of 317.73–336.92 m above mean sea level, with low-lying areas exhibiting significantly greater susceptibility to waterlogging. Statistical analysis demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between elevation and WVI (r = −0.93, R² = 0.87, p < 0.001), indicating that topography is a major determinant of waterlogging occurrence. Highly vulnerable locations identified included Bhatera Railway Crossing, Moti Nagar, Chitragupta Nagar, Railway Station surroundings, and Hanuman Chowk, where poor drainage conditions, sediment accumulation, waste blockage, and persistent water stagnation were frequently observed. The GIS-based vulnerability mapping effectively delineated priority intervention zones requiring drainage improvement and regular maintenance. The findings demonstrate that integrating field observations with topographic analysis provides a practical and reliable framework for evaluating urban drainage performance and identifying flood-prone areas. The developed methodology offers valuable scientific support for stormwater management, drainage infrastructure planning, and climate-resilient urban development in Balaghat and other rapidly growing cities facing similar hydrological challenges.