Assam experiences recurrent monsoon flood yet Kamrup Metropolitan District in Assam faces water scarcity due to rapid surface runoff, infiltration and inadequate rainwater storage and recharge practices. Increasing urbanization and building of impervious surfaces have further reduced the effective utilization of rainfall. The present study delineates rainwater harvesting suitability zones using a Geographic Information System (GIS) based multi-criteria decision analysis. The analysis was carried out considering rainfall, slope, drainage density, land use/land cover, soil type and elevation as major controlling parameters. All the six thematic layers were prepared, reclassified and assigned relative weights based on their hydrological influence. A weighted overlay analysis was carried out to integrate the thematic layers and generate the rainwater harvesting suitability map. The map categorizes the study area into high, moderate and low suitability zones. The areas with gentler slopes, permeable soils, lower drainage density and suitable land use conditions show higher potential for rainwater harvesting. The results show a clear spatial pattern with moderate rainwater harvesting suitability covering most of the central urban plain and higher suitability concentrated towards the eastern and southern parts of the Kamrup Metropolitan District.

The study shows the applicability of GIS based multi-criteria decision analysis to delineate rainwater harvesting suitability zone in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam. By integrating rainfall, slope, drainage density, soil type and land use/ land cover the analysis captured the combined influence of climatic, topographic and surface characteristics on rainwater harvesting potential. The weighted overlay method has synthesized these parameters into a comprehensive suitability framework. The results show that most part of the study area falls under moderate to high suitability categories areas with gentle slope, favourable soil conditions, lower drainage density and supportive land use pattern of a better potential for rainwater harvesting. High suitability zones indicate location where rainwater harvesting structures can be effectively implemented to reduce surface runoff and improve water availability. Areas classified as low suitability are mainly affected by higher runoff and poor surface retention, and therefore may require alternative or site-specific water management measures. Overall, the suitability map provides a practical and reliable basis for planning rainwater harvesting interventions in the study area. the findings can support sustainable water resource management and assist planners and decision makers in addressing water scarcity and runoff related problems.

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