Environmental Challenges (Aug 2021)
Geospatial approach for developing an integrated water resource management plan in Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Abstract
The integrated water resource management (IWRM) plan plays a substantial role in addressing institutional problems and capacity building for the use, control, preservation, and sustainability of water systems, especially for developing countries like Bangladesh. Bangladesh is undergoing dramatic changes in land cover/land use (LC/LU) change, primarily due to rapid urbanization. Urbanization converts the natural resources (water bodies) into impervious surfaces (urban areas and roads). Rajshahi is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Bangladesh, and its urban sustainability is affected by the demolishment of water bodies influenced by rapid LC/LU change. Satellite images at different spatial resolutions are extensively used for extracting water body information at various periods. Using multi-temporal Landsat TM/OLI satellite images, the study aimed to estimate the spatiotemporal LC/LU change and identify the most influential LC/LU parameters that contributed to the reduction of surface water body from 1989 to 2019. The support vector machine, matrix union, and image difference algorithms were applied to estimate LC/LU classification, conversion of LC/LU, and water body to other LC/LU classes. Results revealed that a massive increase in the built-up area (16%) and infrastructural development were the primary cause for water body reduction, and loss of water bodies was estimated at around 8% in the last 30 years. Key informant's interviews were conducted to identify the effective management and technical strategies for developing a sustainable IWRM plan utilizing modern technology. The estimated hydro-geomorphological (modeling flow direction, stream network, flow accumulation, and surface water potential zones) information would be beneficial to any developing country.. This study will contribute to the development of effective strategies for conserving existing water bodies and ensuring ecological and environmental sustainability by increasing plant biodiversity and mitigating the effects of heatwaves.
