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Hydrological Modeling and Flood Mitigation Strategies for Watershed Development Using HEC-RAS

Priyanka M Pethkar, V A Swami

Abstract


Flooding in watersheds is a recurring challenge that results in ecological degradation, infrastructure damage, and socio-economic loss. This study focuses on the application of HEC-RAS-based hydrological modeling for watershed-scale flood mitigation and planning. The model incorporates terrain data, river geometry, boundary conditions, and rainfall–runoff characteristics to simulate flood propagation under various discharge scenarios. Results identify peak flow zones, inundation extents, and critical risk locations within the watershed. Based on outcomes, structural and non-structural flood control interventions such as channel improvement, floodplain zoning, detention basins, and afforestation are proposed. The approach demonstrates how hydrological simulation can support decision-making for watershed development, flood resilience, and sustainable catchment management. The framework may serve as a replicable methodology for similar river basins facing seasonal flood events.


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References


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