A comparative analysis of urban vulnerability using a geographical information system based on fuzzy multi-criteria dimensional analysis in the metropolitan region of the Hooghly river delta and the chao phraya river delta

Abstract

Urban Vulnerabilities in the deltaic metropolitan areas have become a challenging concern, affected by seasonal variations and varied environmental socio-economical, and demographical factors. This study represents a comparative analysis of the Urban Vulnerability of two deltaic megacities namely Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), Thailand, and Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), India. This study employed Geographical Information System (GIS) based fuzzy Multi-Criteria Dimensional Analysis (MCDA) to map spatial data and assess vulnerabilities regarding parameters such as Rainfall, AQI, LST, NDBI, NDVI, Population Density, Old/Child Population, Literacy Rate, and Per Capita Income, focusing on how these parameters fluctuate with the summer, monsoon and winter season, and also its impacts in the metropolis due to seasonal variations. The results indicate that about 4.70 sq. km.(0.3%) and 585.23 sq. km.(37.3%) of the area in the central region and its surroundings of BMR and 21.50sq. km.(1.14%) and 68.29 sq. km.(3.62%) of the area in the central region and its surroundings of KMA are highly vulnerable in summer and monsoon and also highly exposed to multiple climatic and physiological threats, especially heat waves, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases. The study also highlights how elderly, children and low-income groups are more susceptible to vulnerabilities. The study explains the relationship between seasonal environmental shifts and physiological threats, stressing for the need of season- specific public health strategies and proper urban planning measures. To mitigate the effects of Urban Vulnerability in deltaic megacities, policymakers, and urban planners shall consider the findings of this study into account while planning sustainable solutions to the hazards.