Urban Water in the Age of Climate Crisis: Potentials of Water Sensitive Urban Design Strategies for Gopalganj City, Bangladesh

Rapid population growth and unplanned urban development are major drivers of climate-induced water resource stress. According to the UN World Water Development Report (2024), global urban water demand is projected to rise by 20–30% by 2050, with nearly two billion people already living under high water stress. By 2030, half of the world’s population may face water shortages due to climate change and unchecked urban expansion. These pressures are particularly acute in South Asia, where rapid urbanization exacerbates risks to water quality and availability. Bangladesh exemplifies this challenge, with multiple water issues including declining groundwater levels, frequent flooding, and severe pollution. Mid-sized cities such as Gopalganj, located in southwest Bangladesh, highlight these vulnerabilities. The city’s primary water resource—the Modhumoti River and its canal system—once sustained its residents, but is now degraded due to encroachment, sedimentation, pollution, and poorly maintained drainage. These disruptions intensify flooding and waterlogging, while potable water scarcity is further aggravated by unplanned development and inadequate integration of water management into urban planning. While many western contexts have advanced Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) as a proactive strategy, Bangladeshi cities continue to struggle with limited adoption of such approaches. This research seeks to assess the viability of WSUD as a sustainable urban water management framework for mid-sized cities like Gopalganj. The study first examines the city’s morphology and spatial planning in relation to water systems, identifying key gaps. It then explores opportunities and barriers for WSUD implementation, drawing on case reviews and stakeholder insights. Employing a qualitative methodology, with spatial analysis using GIS and triangulation of multiple data sources, the research develops a contextualized WSUD framework as well as potential design solutions for identified sites. This framework aims to provide actionable strategies for embedding water sensitivity into urban design and planning in Gopalganj and similar urban contexts.