Impact of urban growth on the natural drainage network of the Srinagar city

ABSTRACT Srinagar city experienced significant expansion especially during the last four decades, which has negatively impacted its aquatic resources and their functioning. The present study aims to assess the impact of the urban growth on the natural drainage network of the Srinagar city from 1971 to 2020. The changes in the morphometry of natural drainage and urban morphology were quantified through the selected indicators. Four sample sites were selected from the study area for detailed ground validation of the quantified changes. Our results reveal that there has been almost a fourfold increase in the built-up area, taking place in all the directions, primarily in the form of edge expansion that has largely encroahed the urban streams. The findings further indicate that on the whole drainage system of the city has lost almost 15% of its total capacity. The effects of increasing built-up warrant immediate attention to initiate conservation measures for the natural drainage network of the city.