See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/280726931

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENT ON RIVER BANKS : A

CASE STUDY OF VISHWAMITRI RIVER, VADODARA, INDIA

Research · August 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3713.0085

CITATIONS READS

3 10,856

4 authors, including:

Manthan Tailor Sarthak Kaulgud

The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Symbiosis International University
6 PUBLICATIONS   9 CITATIONS    1 PUBLICATION   3 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Spatio – temporal variations in nutrient concentrations and their effects on a freshwater reservoir of Vadodara District, Gujarat View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Manthan Tailor on 06 August 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Journal of Environmental Research And Development Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN SETTLE-

MENT ON RIVER BANKS : A CASE STUDY OF
VISHWAMITRI RIVER, VADODARA, INDIA
Kaulgud Sarthak*, Vaidya Ripple, Marathe Sanyukta and Tailor Manthan A.
Department of Environmental Studies, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara, Gujarat (INDIA)

Received October 24, 2014 Accepted February 20, 2015

ABSTRACT
Ours is a dynamic planet with various bio-geo-chemical processes which are in continuum since
thousands of years. Many of the natural processes and associated events are far beyond the
control of human beings because of their unexpected nature. Flood being one of the major
natural disaster is also having immense importance in demography and environmental studies.
Due to continuous increase in the human population more and more of the geographical area is
being occupied for residential purpose. One such example is river banks and flood plains of the
river. In the present study, investigation of the geo-environmental conditions was carried out and
vulnerability of human settlement was assessed. Characteristics such as economic status,
education and awareness levels, health status, hygiene and safety condition etc were assessed
using the standard methods and techniques. The overall impact of recurring floods in the river
Vishwamitri of Vadodara city of Gujarat, India was assessed and a correlation among various
environmental aspects were analysed. Based on the studies suitable suggestions are also
established which may be implemented if feasible. The study gives a fair idea of the
interdependencies of various demographic aspects and their vulnerability during floods.
Key Words : Demography, River banks, Flood plains, Geo-environmental conditions,
Vulnerability

INTRODUCTION per km2).3 Most of the population is living in

A population is group of the individuals of the
same species within an ecological community
at a particular point of time. When it is about
the human population there are 7.2 billion in
the world and is projected population is 9.6
billion by 2050.1 In 2011, the population of
India was 1.21 billion compared to 1.02 billion
in 2001.2 In the current study, the demograph-
ics are discussed with respect to an urban area
of Gujarat state in Western India. The
population of Gujarat, India is 60.4 million of
which the rural population is 34.7 million and
the urban population is 25.7 million. Standing
at 10th position in the country with respect to
human population and 15th position with
respect to population density (viz., year 2001 :
Population-50.6 million population density-
258 persons per km2 year 2011 : Population
60.4 million, population density- 308 persons
*Author for correspondence
1015
urban area i.e. 42.6 % and they are largely
concentrated in urban centres of the state
which are Ahmadabad, Surat and Vadodara,
India (Fig. 1). Highly concentrated human
population in such areas continuously increase
the pressure on the existing resources. All of
the resources be it natural resources (freely
available such as air, soil, water etc.) or public
property (parks, transportation facilities etc.)
are being negatively affected if they are not
optimally used. This ultimately affects the land
use pattern and land utilization in that area. In
Indian context, land use pattern is determined
by economic, institutional and physical
structure. Access to land for housing is one of
the major problems faced by almost all
developing countries. In developing countries,
the urban poor and even the middle-income
group often have to step outside to gain access
to land and housing. Urban land issues vary
according to the particular town or city and its

Journal of Environmental Research And Development
size, topography and public policy. The most
visible manifestation of these residential land
constraints is the numerous unauthorised
housing settlements scattered around as well
as within most of the metropolitan cities of
India. This development is not officially
recognised and therefore it is deprived of
water supply, sanitation, roads, storm-water
drainage, electricity, public transport and so
on. 4 % Population
Year
Fig. 1 : Growth of population in Gujarat, India
Fig. 2 : Distribution of population among districts of Gujarat, India
Improper land utilization causes impact on the
vulnerability status of the existing population.5
According to United Nations International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)
Vulnerability is defined as the characteristics and
circumstances of a community, asset or system
that makes it susceptible to the damaging effects
of a hazard. Vulnerability to floods is not only
heightened by physical forces but also
demographic and socioeconomic variables which
increase the vulnerability of the existing
population to disasters and accidents.6-8
1016
J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
In case of Gujarat, urban areas occupy 2.5% of
the states land. Misutilization of urban land
resources are largely governed by the
following: Increasing conversions of land to
non-agricultural uses. Increasing demands of
housing, industries, commerce, transport and
open areas etc. Increased land prices and
development to vulnerable areas. Haphazard
exploitation of land in the peripheral areas
owing to critical shortages (Fig. 2).
Urban
Rural
Although water shortages often grab the
headlines floods continue to be the common
phenomenon associated with river Vishwamitri,
Gujarat, India. In the previous floods, less lives
have been claimed, the population living along
river Vishwamitri have remained inordinately
vulnerable.9
In the current study, attempts have been made
to assess the vulnerability status of the
population staying at the banks of river
Vishwamitri in Vadodara city with special
reference to their socioeconomic status.

Journal of Environmental Research And Development
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study was to assess the
vulnerability of the human settlements on the
banks of river Vishwamitri in Vadodara city,
Gujarat, India. The following objectives were
set for the same assessment of socioeconomic
status of the existing population. Critical
analysis of flood events of past years.
Vulnerability assessment of the existing
population based on findings. Propose the
mitigatory measures.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In the current study regular surveys were
carried out to assess the socio-economic status
of the community residing on the banks of
J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
River Vishwamitri in Vadodara city (Fig. 3
and Fig. 4).10 The field study was conducted in
three predefined low lying areas that are
affected by floods in every monsoon. They are
Ranjit Nagar (Sayajigunj) (Fig. 5). Navi
Nagari (Sama) (Fig. 6) and Bhaliawas
(Mujmahuda) (Fig. 7). 36.84% were from
Ranjit Nagar 29.82% from Navi Nagari and
33.34% from Bhaliawas.11 The surveys were
carried out using the questionnaire. All the
interviews were conducted at site over a
predefined study period of two months. The
economic variables included occupation,
household income and basic living amenities
as described in previous studies.12 Also the
elevation from MSL (Mean Sea Level) of each
study area was recorded.

Fig. 3 : Map of Vadodara and river Vishwamitri, Gujarat, India

Fig. 4 : Route of river Vishwamitri, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

1017
 J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Journal of Environmental Research And Development Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015

Fig. 5 : Study area 1: Ranjitnagar (Sayajigunj) (Elevation=31m)

Fig. 6 : Study area 2 : Navinagari (Sama) (Elevation=35m)

Fig. 7 : Study area 4 : Bhaliawas (Mujmahuda) (Elevation= 22m)

1018
 J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Journal of Environmental Research And Development Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION male and female in the age group of 18-25
Ranjit Nagar ( Sayajigunj) are least. The overall percent of women in
Gender surveyed population is more and since
From the Fig. 8, it can be interpreted that the women are generally assumed to be most
percent of male and female in the age group vulnerable to the impacts of natural disaster,
of 25-60 (working class) are more compared the population here is relatively more
to other age groups. Also percent of vulnerable.

% of male % of female
60
50
% Population

40
30
20
10
0
0-5 5--18 18--25 25--60 60 +
Gender distribution

Fig. 8 : Gender distribution : Ranjit Nagar, Gujarat, India

Education floods which limits their proper response at

From the Fig. 9, it can be interpreted that out the time of disaster. Based on the education
of the surveyed population only 1.35% have status it can be interpreted that
completed their graduation. Also 13.51% of approximately 13.51 % of the individuals
the surveyed population is illiterate have surveyed will be highly vulnerable to the
scarse information regarding do’s and dont’s flood disaster. (This does not include the
for floods. This limits their understanding population which is currently pursuing
for safe practices before during and after education and infants).

45
40
% Population

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1--7 8--12 technical graduation Uneducated
education

Education

Fig. 9 : Educational status, Ranjit Nagar, Gujarat, India

Income status poverty line in urban areas).13 Hence they are

From the Fig. 10, it can be interpreted that 45% forced to stay in the low lying areas that are
of the population is below poverty line. (per prone to floods where the land and houses are
capita expenditure of Rs.1407 is considered as cheaply available to them. As majority of the
1019
 J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Journal of Environmental Research And Development Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
population has only pursued primary education they do not have requisite skills for high salary
and significant percent of population is illiterate, jobs and hence low income status.14

12%
0%

23% 45%

20%

700-1400 1400-2100 2100-2800

2800-3500 3500-4200

Fig. 10 : Per capita income, Ranjit nagar, Gujarat, India

Navi nagari (sama)
Gender
From the Fig. 11, it can be interpreted that the
percent of male and female in the age group of
25-60 (working class) are more compared to
other age groups. Also percent of male and
female in the age group of 60 and above are least
Income status
From the Fig. 12, it is evident that 87% of the
population is below poverty line. Hence they
cannot afford a decent standard of living. Thus
they are forced to stay in low profile areas.15

% of male % of female
70
60
% Population

50
40
30
20
10
0
0-5 5--18 18--25 25--60 60 +
Age

Fig. 11 : Gender distribution (Navi Nagari), Gujarat, India

4%
below 600
9% 600-800
23%
10% 800-1000
1000-1200
18% 1200-1400
36%
1400-1600
0% above 1600

Fig. 12 : Per capita income (Navi Nagari), Gujarat, India

1020
 J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Journal of Environmental Research And Development Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
Education Bhaliawas (Mujmahuda)
Gender
From the Fig. 13, it can be interpreted that out
From the Fig. 14, it can be interpreted that the
of the surveyed population, none have reached percent of male and female in the age group of
graduation level. Also large percent of 25-60 (working class) are more compared to
population is illiterate (this does not include other age groups. Also percent of male and
female in the age group of 60 and above are
the population which is currently pursuing least. The overall percent of women in surveyed
education and infants).16 population is more.
35
30
25
No. of individuals

20
15
10
5
0

Education
Fig. 13 : Educational status (Navi Nagari), Gujarat, India
% of male % of female
45
40
35
% Population

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0-5 5--18 18--25 25--60 60 +
Age group

Fig. 14 : Gender distribution (Bhaliawas), Gujarat, India

Income status
From the Fig. 15, it is evident that 75% of the
population is below poverty line. Since such high
percent of population is below poverty line they
are subjected to low standard of living.17
Education
From the Fig. 16, it can be interpreted that out
of the surveyed population none have reached
graduation level. Also large percent of
population is illiterate and maximum have
pursued their primary education only (this does
not include the population which is currently
pursuing education and infants).18 The surveyed
population had continuous electricity supply. In
addition most of them had proper gas supply in
the form of gas cylinders. Also the population
density is more proper sanitation, waste water
and solid waste collection and disposal facilities
are unavailable which makes them more
vulnerable to epidemics. Since Vishwamitri is
home to Indian marsh crocodile (Crocodylus
palustris) the population residing near river
banks are more vulnerable to it when flooding
takes place.19-22

1021

Journal of Environmental Research And Development
0%
13% 10%
10%
12%
8%
16%
31%
Fig. 15 : Per capita income (Bhaliawas), Gujarat, India
35
30
No. of individuals
25
20
15
10
5
0
Education
Fig. 16 : Educational status (Bhaliawas), Gujarat, India
CONCLUSION
The mounting population and advanced
standards of living have resulted in an ever
increasing demand for residential land both in
villages and towns. Cities and towns are
obligated to grow vertically rather than
horizontally. Inability to address the increasing
demand for infrastructure in the cities is resulting
in urban sprawl and more and more people are
forced to stay near river banks. As a result of this
large number of human settlements have
emerged on and near banks. Same scenario is
also observed in Vadodara city, India also the
problem of solid waste getting dumped on the
river banks has aggravated. Municipal authorities
in charge of solid waste management for e.g. pay
little attention to urban drainage systems even
though uncollected garbage is most often the
cause of blockages which obstructs the natural
course of the river. Moreover such settlements
are generally overlooked when it is about
developmental strategies as they are consid-
ered to be of least importance to the eco-
nomy of the urban area. Also the inadaptability to
deal with floods and lack of resources to deal
with the same play a vital role in increasing
vulnerability. All these factors together contribute
1022
J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
Below 600
600-800
800-1000
1000-1200
1200-1400
1400-1600
to the increasing vulnerability. Same is also
found to be true in the current study. Based on
the study, following measures are recommended
Increasing the carrying capacity of river by rem-
oving the obstructions and streamlining the river.
Restructuring the existing bridges. Cleaning the
river to make it pollution free. Relocation of
slums from vulnerable areas.It is also suggested
that the awareness should be created amongst
communities staying on and near banks and
hence the authorities and local people should
work hand in hand to overcome the issue.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors would like to thank Head, Department
of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science,
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
Vadodara, Gujarat, India with immense pleasure
for providing necessary permission for
completion of this work.
REFERENCES
1. Malik K., Human development report :
Sustaining human progress : Reducing
vulnerabilities and building resilience, New
York : United nations development progra-

Journal of Environmental Research And Development
mme, http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/
hdr14-report-en-1.pdf, 27, 14/09/13, (2014).
2. Chandramouli C. and General R., www.cen-
susofindia.,12-09-14, (2011).
3. Directorate of economics and statistics
government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Soc.
Econ. Rev., 27-32, (2014).
4. Sivam A., Constraints affecting the
efficiency of the urban residential land
market in developing countries : A case
study of India, Hab. Int., 26(4), 523-537,
(2002).
5. Hamza M. and Zetter R., Structural
adjustment, urban systems and disaster
vulnerability in developing countries,
Cit, 15(4), 291-299, (1998).
6. McBean G. and Ajibade I., Climate change
related hazards and human settlements, Cur.
Opi. Environ. Sus., 1(2), 179-186, (2009).
7. Sanyal J. and Lu X. X., Remote sensing and
GIS‐based flood vulnerability assessment of
human settlements : A case study of gangetic
West Bengal, India, Hyd. Proc., 19(18),
3699-3716, (2005).
8. Mejía-Navarro M., Wohl E. E. and Oaks S.
D., Geological hazards, vulnerability and
risk assessment using GIS : Model for
glenwood springs, Colorado, Geomor.,
10(1), 331-354, (1994).
9. Gao J., Nickum J. E. and Pan Y., An
assessment of flood hazard vulnerability in
the Dongting lake region of China, Lak.
Reser. Res, Manag., 12(1), 27-34, (2007).
10. Satish J. and Suryawanshi D. S., Status of
environmental factors of urban health in
Jalgaon, India : A geographical review, J.
Environ. Res. Develop., 8(1), 159-168,
(2013).
11. Chowdhury P. D. and Haque C. E., Risk
perception and knowledge gap between
experts and the public : Issues of flood
hazards management in Canada, J. Environ.
Res. Develop., 5(4), 1017-1022, (2011).
12. Mutton D. and Haque C. E., Human
vulnerability, dislocation and resettlement :
Adaptation processes of river‐bank erosi-
oninduced displaces in Bangladesh, Dis.,
28(1), 41-62, (2004).
1023
View publication stats
J. Environ. Res. Develop.
Vol. 9 No. 3A, January-March 2015
13. Government of India planning commission,
Report of the expert group to review the
methodology for measurement of poverty,
http//www.planingcommisionarchive.nic.in
22, 21/09/14, (2014).
14. Sylus Konstantin J. and Ramesh H.,
Statistical analysis of water quality and water
level of netravathi and Gurpur river basin
Mangalore, India for non monsoon season,
J. Environ. Res. Develop., 8(3A), 747-750,
(2014).
15. Kulkarni P. S., Malik M. A. and Masoom S.
M., Groundwater quality of pravara sub
basin, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, J.
Environ. Res. Develop., 9(2), 295-305,
(2014).
16. Saurabh Kumar and Goyal P., Impact of a
based power plant of the air quality of Delhi,
India, J. Environ. Res. Develop., 8(3), 523-
529, (2014).
17. Dadhich P., Ankita and Nadaoka Kazuo,
Modeling hydrological response to land use
change in watersheds of Vitilevu Island, Fiji,
J. Environ. Res. Develop., 8(3), 492-503,
(2014).
18. Bora Minakshi and Goswami Dulal C.,
Study for restoration using field survey and
Geo-informatics of the Kolong river, Assam,
India, J. Environ. Res. Develop., 8(4), 997-
1004, (2014).
19. Pandey K. M., Debbarma Ajoy, Das
Hirakjyoti, Roy Amitava and Nath Writupa
-rna, Environmental impact assessment and
management : Protecting ecology in North-
East India, J. Environ. Res. Develop., 7(4),
1459-1466, (2013).
20. Gurnule Wasudeo B., Makde Charulata S.
and Ahmed Mudrika, Synthesis,
characterization, morphology, thermal,
electrical and chelation ionexchange
properties of a copolymer resin, J. Environ.
Res. Develop., 7(3), 1183-1192, (2013).
21. Soni B. D. and Ruparelia J. P., Effects of
preparation methods on Ti/NiORuo2- SnO2-
Sb2O5 anode for removal of reactive black-5
dye, J. Environ. Res. Develop., 8(2), 224-
235, (2013).
22. Tapase A.B. and Kadam D.B., Performance
evaluation of polymer modified bitumen in
flexible pavement, J. Environ. Res. Develop.,
8(3), 504-509, (2014).