GIS-based identification of groundwater recharging points of Data Ganj Baksh Town (DGBT) in Lahore-An approach to avoid urban flooding in Monsoon

Unprecedented rainfall events cause increased problems of critical urban flooding. Urban flooding has emerged as a severe problem causing damage to properties, automobiles, and death risks. Inadequate drainage facilities, less infiltration, and increased impervious surface due to random urbanization are the leading causes of urban flooding. In our study, we selected Data Ganj Baksh Town (DGBT) in Lahore city to investigate the locations of urban flooding and provide potential suggestions for groundwater recharging. The elevation data points at different locations within DGBT were collected with a GPS device, utilized for generating a digital elevation model using Geographic Information System (GIS). Slope analysis and contour analysis were also carried out on GIS to estimate the direction of water ponding locations and surface depressions. These analyses in maps helped identify potential groundwater recharge locations in selected towns. Rainwater harvesting and recharging wells have been proposed in this study. Short cost estimation of groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting has also been performed on these techniques.