Abstract:
The Risk Informed Gram Panchayat Spatial Development Plan (GPSDP) for a riverine village is a strategic framework aimed at fostering sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development. Riverine villages face unique challenges, including frequent flooding, soil erosion, water management issues, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. These challenges necessitate a well-structured development strategy that integrates spatial planning with local governance to ensure effective land-use planning, resource optimization, and disaster resilience.
This study particularly focuses on risk-informed spatial planning, emphasizing the identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential hazards affecting riverine communities. By incorporating risk assessment methodologies, such as hazard mapping, vulnerability analysis, and disaster preparedness strategies, the GPSDP seeks to enhance resilience against environmental and socio-economic threats. The integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, remote sensing technologies, and community-driven risk reduction approaches strengthens the decision-making process for infrastructure placement, resource management, and emergency response planning.
The GPSDP aligns with national and international frameworks for disaster risk reduction and sustainable rural development, ensuring that strategies are both community-centric and environmentally sustainable. The plan incorporates socio-economic aspects such as resilient housing, improved connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to support holistic rural growth. Case studies from previous research, including Misra & Singh (2020) on flood risk management in riverine settlements, Kumar et al. (2019) on geospatial applications for rural planning, and Patel & Sharma (2021) on climate adaptation strategies in rural governance, highlight the significance of risk-informed spatial planning in fostering sustainable development. Additionally, research by Verma & Rajan (2022) on
integrating disaster risk reduction into local governance and Das et al. (2023) on climate-induced vulnerabilities in riverine communities provide valuable insights into mitigating risks in these regions.
By implementing a structured and scientifically backed risk-informed spatial development plan, riverine villages can enhance their resilience against natural disasters, improve socio-economic conditions, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their natural and built environments. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on risk-informed rural spatial planning, offering a replicable model for vulnerable riverine settlements globally.
