Assessing Urban Surface Runoff Management Using the SWAT Model, GIS, and the Rational Method: A Case Study of Karapakkam

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 37 48
    By

    Yogashri I,

  • N. Sudhan Srinivas,

  1. Student, Department of Planning, School of Planning, Architecture and Design Excellence, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Planning, School of Planning Architecture and Design Excellence, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, India

Abstract

Urban surface runoff management encompasses strategies aimed at regulating rainwater flow, reducing urban flooding, enhancing groundwater recharge, and contributing to disaster risk mitigation for sustainable urban development. This study seeks to optimize surface runoff management in urban settings by using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model integrated with geographic information systems (GIS) to minimize flood risks. The research focuses on the peak runoff in Karapakkam, a locality within the Chennai Metropolitan Zone. Karapakkam is a rapidly developing hub along the bustling Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), characterized by significant IT, industrial, and commercial activity. Its strategic importance is further highlighted by its proximity to major neighborhoods like Sholinganallur, Thoraipakkam, Pallikaranai, and Injambakkam. A primary survey, including a detailed analysis of comprehensive land use and land cover (LULC), reveals that the area is predominantly residential, with additional insights derived from the distribution of building ages. Analysis of how information technology and industrial blooms like micro- and macro-industries affect the residential zone and urban sustainable pattern of Karapakkam. During the transition, agricultural areas have vanished. Karapakkam features a variety of water bodies, with Okkiyam Maduvu standing as the largest river contributing to its hydrological diversity. Commercial sectors are primarily concentrated along state highway 49A (SH 49A), and with anticipated growth in these areas, encouraging mixed-use development can integrate multiple functions within a single building, enhancing urban sustainability. By using the SWAT model, the surface runoff can be simulated, and peak runoff is calculated by the rational method to develop mitigation strategies.

Keywords: Urban resilience, peak runoff, rational method, SWAT model, disaster risk

[This article belongs to International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture ]

How to cite this article:
Yogashri I, N. Sudhan Srinivas. Assessing Urban Surface Runoff Management Using the SWAT Model, GIS, and the Rational Method: A Case Study of Karapakkam. International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture. 2026; 04(01):37-48.
How to cite this URL:
Yogashri I, N. Sudhan Srinivas. Assessing Urban Surface Runoff Management Using the SWAT Model, GIS, and the Rational Method: A Case Study of Karapakkam. International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture. 2026; 04(01):37-48. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijepda/article=2026/view=239901


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 30/09/2025
Accepted 23/01/2026
Published 15/02/2026
Publication Time 138 Days
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