Enhancing Urban Water Sustainability through Efficient Water Management: A Case Study of Kolhapur

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Indian cities has significantly altered natural hydrological processes, resulting in increased surface runoff, urban flooding, and drainage congestion. Kolhapur, a rapidly growing city in Maharashtra, has experienced recurrent flooding due to intense monsoon rainfall, encroachment of natural drainage channels, inadequate stormwater infrastructure, and poor maintenance of drainage networks. The devastating floods of 2019 highlighted the vulnerability of the city's stormwater management system. This study analyzes the existing stormwater drainage infrastructure of Kolhapur, identifies major challenges affecting drainage efficiency, and proposes comprehensive guidelines for developing resilient and sustainable stormwater drainage systems in growing Indian cities. The study utilizes secondary data, literature review, urban flood assessments, and drainage management practices. Results indicate that insufficient drainage capacity, blockage of natural watercourses, increased impervious surfaces, and lack of integrated planning are major contributors to urban flooding. The research recommends sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), GIS-based drainage planning, rainwater harvesting integration, regular maintenance programs, and climate-resilient infrastructure design. The proposed guidelines can support municipal authorities and urban planners in developing effective stormwater management strategies for future urban growth.