Abstract:
The Indus basin is subject to modifications – from the development of canals in Kashmir (8th
century) to the development of a complex irrigation system (19th century). These developments
have increased the illegal encroachment of floodplains. The rivers wreak havoc on these people
in the form of floods. To mitigate the flood risks, it is important to effectively manage the Indus
River system, which requires knowledge of current river geomorphology and flood
management practices. The present study provides a systematic analysis of the river planform
dynamics in the context of flooded duration and cultivated land loss. MODIS dataset was used
to map the districts flood duration (2000-2020). The river planform characteristics were
systematically mapped using the Landsat NDVI images (2000-2020). The district flooded
duration reached a maximum of ~48 to ~91 days. The average width calculated for Indus is
~1,594 m, ~893 m for Jhelum, ~687 m for Chenab, and ~331 m for Sutlej. Accretion and
erosion analysis indicated that Indus (~1,034 km2
) and Jhelum (~130 km2
) rivers gained net
land, while the Chenab River lost (~919 km2
) on both banks. The Sutlej River experienced net
land gain on the right bank (~161 km2
) and loss on its left bank (~16 km2
). Additionally, Indus,
Jhelum, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers eroded ~1,995 km2
, ~477 km2
, ~643 km2
, and ~463 km2
of
cultivated land respectively. Regression analysis provided a statistically significant relationship
between river planform dynamics and districts flood duration. The Indus floods and the
constantly altering river planform dynamics are causing constraints on agricultural production
in the region. The study also provides an elaborative flood management analysis which
highlights that a loophole is present in the flood management strategy which needs to be
outlined and plugged on a priority basis to reduce the detrimental effects of floods on the
country.
