Projected performance of green infrastructure strategies for flood mitigation in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta

Authors

  • Hakiri Diarra Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
  • Gerard Jaque Bulan Agravante University of Calgary
  • Elizabeth Pretorius Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
  • Giancarlo Mahen Widyadharma Hadikusu Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/eureka28816

Keywords:

Green Infrastructure, flood mitigation, Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, climate change, sustainability, flood management, disaster resilience

Abstract

Background: The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta – the world’s most populous river delta – faces heightened susceptibility to the rise in flooding disasters due to climate change, impacting millions annually. Current flood management strategies are unsustainable and ineffective, and resilient flood management is needed. A promising alternative is the strategic implementation of green infrastructure (GI) applications, which have proven effective in flood management in other regions.

Methods: An analysis of the region’s past and future vulnerability to flooding is conducted. Then, green infrastructure performance metrics from regions with similar climatic conditions are extrapolated for the GBM. Green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens were identified as the most suitable GI types for the GBM. Finally, computer simulations were employed to analyze the performance of different implementations of GI within a model city.

Results: The simulations showed that 0% green rooftop coverage, 100% permeable pavement coverage, and 40% rain garden coverage were the most feasible GI layout. This configuration resulted in the most preferable balance between cost effectiveness and reduced runoff. Green rooftops were minimized due to high installation costs relative to their retention capacity, whereas permeable pavements and rain garden coverage were maximized.

Conclusions: The studies show GI’s potential for flood mitigation and resilience in the GBM region. GI initiatives align with the region's flood mitigation policies and are thus feasible to implement with aid from government incentives. Furthermore, the computer program developed for this analysis could serve as a valuable tool for assessing GI implementation limits and offering guidance to policymakers.  

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Published

2024-05-15

How to Cite

Diarra, H., Agravante, G. J. B., Pretorius, E., & Widyadharma Hadikusu, G. M. (2024). Projected performance of green infrastructure strategies for flood mitigation in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. Eureka, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.29173/eureka28816

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2024):

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Articles

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