Rainfall Analysis of Vrishabhavathi Valley in Bengaluru Region

Abstract

Vrishabhavathi valley is a part of river Arkavathi. It covers parts of Bengaluru Urban and Ramanagara districts with an area of 381.46 sq. kms. Due to rapid urbanization in Bengaluru lot of pervious strata is converted into non-pervious concrete or asphalt surfaces. Rainfall is a major event, which is resulting flood in Bengaluru city. Recently observed heavy rainfall, rapid urbanization, encroachment of streams and water bodies are the major causes of flooding in Bengaluru. Disturbance to human activities and damages to properties has been observed in Vrishabhavathi valley region due to heavy rainfall especially in heavy rain events. Rainfall data analysis has been carried out statistically and graphically on Vrishabhavathi valley from 1970 to 2018. Rainfall analysis was made on converting daily rainfall data to monthly average data and seasonal analysis of rainfall has made for three different monsoon seasons Pre- monsoon, South- West and North- East monsoon, distribution and frequency of rainfall has been analyzed and results are represented graphically. From the annual rainfall study it is observed that less rainfall variations till 1990 and rainfall pattern seem to be increasing constantly from 1990’s onwards till 2018, particularly in the months of August, September and October. The rainfall contribution during south-west monsoon is almost equal to 50% of total annual rainfall. Rainfall analysis is essential to develop appropriate flood prediction models utilizing latest rainfall data collected (KSNDMC Telemetric station data) and available geospatial data to address the issues of urban flood observed in many locations in Vrishabhavathi valley region and in Bengaluru.