Application of remote sensing and GIS in sinuosity and river shifting analysis of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand plains

Abstract

Sinuosity and river shifting analysis of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand plains between Haridwar and Balawali has been done using topographic maps and various Landsat images during 1972 to 2005. The transect method was used for the river shifting measurement. The study area consists of a stretch characterized by uneven meandering and shifting. Consequently, the adjacent areas are susceptible to frequent flooding that causes significant losses of crops, property, livestock, and human lives. During the study period, different channel patterns were observed such as straight single-channel river, braided multi-channel river, etc. It was found that the west bank of the Ganges River was subjected to more erosion and that the river is shifting towards the west. The width of the meander belt ranged from 1 to 3.5 km with an average of about 2 km. Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that the flood protection structures are crucial for the west bank. It is further suggested that these structures be constructed outside the meander belt of the river. © 2014, Società Italiana di Fotogrammetria e Topografia (SIFET).