Impact of linear transport infrastructure on fluvial connectivity across the catchments of West Bengal, India
Suvendu Roy
Abstract
Floodplain corridors contain ∼21% of the total land area of West Bengal and hold alignment of ∼44% road and ∼26% railway networks of the state. Therefore, understanding of potential interactions between transport infrastructure and river systems is essential for river basin management in general and understanding the longitudinal and lateral (dis)connectivity across the twenty catchments of WB in particular. Freely available GIS data has been used for future river and floodplain management and policy making using multiple spatial analytical tools. The study finds ∼21% of the floodplain area is laterally disconnected from rivers, which could be raised by 260% after considering riverside artificial embankment. About 40% of state’s land area comes within one kilometre proximal distance between river and transport networks and ∼13% of transport networks are at risk of waterlogged during a flood. This study has recommended a river friendly comprehensive plan for transport network development in the future.