Using a hybrid Multiple Criteria Decision Making model for the strategic restoriation of a seasonal-urban river

The aim of this study is to determine the best strategy for restoration of a seasonal-urban river. Brainstorming sessions were held and SWOT method was used to determine the strategies and effective criteria. Then, the strategies were ranked by using the hybrid model of Analytical Hierarchy Process and Modified Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and the best strategy was selected. In this study, two basic goals of river's restoration were considered separately which are restoring the quality and quantity of water flow and recharging its aquifer and securing and reduce the risk of floods. The results showed that the best strategy for restoring the quality and quantity of aquifer and water flow is balancing the sources and uses of river and groundwater. On other hand, for flood risk management, only management strategy (flood plain management including control of development and construction) was recognized as the best strategy. The results showed that for restoration of a seasonal-urban river, the management strategies have higher priority compared to structural strategies. The proposed framework of this paper can be used in the strategic management of river restoration in other seasonal-urban rivers.