This study is an attempt to map inundated
area using geographic information systems (GIS) to
obtain flood information for flood planning. Accurate
information on flood inundation is essential for
designing a sound planning and management. It
provides the base line data required for proper
understanding the extent and magnitude past and
future flood events. Present paper deals with flood
inundation mapping of Savitri river floods of 2005 and
2007 flood events. High flood level markings of 2005
and 2007 events were recorded to map the extent of
floods. Separate flood inundation maps were created
with the help of GIS for these flood events. Number of
villages submerged and spatial extent of respective flood
events have been computed. Construction of Konkan
Railway Bridge across the main river channel with
embankments over the narrow strip of floodplain has
caused impounding of river water upstream to the
bridge. Presence of island within Savitri and Gandhari
River has also caused retention of flood water. Tidal
bore during high tide is another reason of over bank
flooding. Urbanization also influenced the increasing
water level in the river channel. Unplanned and rapid
settlement development, uncontrolled construction of
buildings in general and major land use changes are
some of the major reasons of flooding in and around
Mahad town during 2005 and 2007 flood events.
Keywords : Digitization, Embankment, Floods, Floodplain, Georeference, Inundation, Stream Gauge.