Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2015
© Copyright by authors under Creative Commons License 3.0
Research article
www.jrsgis.com
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ISSN 2277 – 9450
Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative
case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
Najmul Hoda1* and Amit Kumar2
1Jharkhand
Space Applications Center, Department of Information Technology and eGovernance,
Government of Jharkhand, Ranchi- 834004, India
2Centre for Land Resource Management, Central University of Jharkhand, Brambe, Ranchi- 835205,
Jharkhand, India
Abstract: In the present study, bank erosion along the River Son- North Koel Confluence (Palamu district)
and River Ganges (Sahibganj district) were analyzed through shift in river bank line in GIS environment
during 1972-2008. The delineation of bank lines were done using Survey of India Topographical Sheet of
1972 and IRS Cartosat-I satellite data of 2008. The study exhibits that although the more number of river
intrusion and bank erosion were occurred in Palamu district (at 14 major places) as compared to Sahibganj
district (at 5 major places), the excessive area were encroached by River Ganges in Sahibganj (total intrusion
6941 meters) as compared to River Son- N. Koel (total intrusion 2229 meters) over the period of 33 years .
The volume of water and flow is the major reason for such variability in bank erosion. The present study
identified locations affected by of bank erosion during 1971-2008 and indicated the urgent need to protect
the river banks employing afforestation measures and other strategies.
Keywords: Bank erosion, Remote sensing, GIS.
1. Introduction
Bank erosion is integral to the functioning of river ecosystems. It is a geomorphic process that promotes
riparian vegetation succession and creates dynamic habitats crucial for aquatic and riparian plants and
animals (Florsheim et al., 2008). Bank erosion is the erosion of material from the side of a river channel, not
only by fluvial processes, but also by frost heave, groundwater sapping, surface wash, and slope failure, etc.
Rates of erosion vary with bank composition and moisture content, bank vegetation, speed and direction of
flow with respect to bank line. Erosion rates are highest on the outer bank of meander bends or where bars
in the channel have diverted the thalweg. Bank form reflects the nature of materials: fine, cohesive materials
tend to fail through slipping, banks of coarse material are steep, and may have talus slopes at the base, and
where a cohesive layer overlies coarser material, undercutting may form overhangs, which collapse
periodically. In the short term, these collapsed blocks may protect the base of the bank. River bank erosion
contributes to large amounts of sedimentation in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Besides loss of land, river bank
erosion results in poor water quality. Increased run-off from cleared catchments has placed considerable
erosive stress on streams, especially where the majority of the catchments have been cleared. Clearing of
stream-side vegetation and unrestricted stock access to streams are also significant causes of stream bank
instability. Where local soils do not have the necessary strength to resist water erosion, the removal of
---------------------------*Corresponding author (Email: [email protected])
Received on September 2014; Accepted on November 2014; Published on November, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
protective vegetation can lead to extensive erosion. Channel straightening, which increases slope and flow
velocity, may initiate channel and bank erosion (Julien, 2010).
The proper foundation of protection and restoration of rivers is a geomorphic assessment of the physical
condition, sensitivity, and the adjustment process of discreet stream reaches. The primary benefit of effective
riverbank (or stream bank) stabilization planning helps protect the civilization, assets such as open space,
infrastructure and riparian zone on or near the riverbank as well as the purpose to provide a clearly defined
decision process that will identify a strategy to carry out riverbank stabilization works along sections of the
river and major tributaries (Das et al., 2012). Various scholars studied and assessed back erosions and
provided possible solutions (Haque and Zaman 1993; Elahi et al.1990, Rogee 1991). Aktar (2013) reported
that since 1973 major rivers in Bangladesh viz., the Jamuna, the Ganges and the Padma have eroded around
1,590 sq. km of floodplains making 1.6 million people homeless.
In Jharkhand, only 47% area is cultivable and only 28% area is under total net sown (Samiti). And 80% of
the population in the state is depended on agriculture and allied activities. Due to lack of proper irrigation
facility, the mono cropping pattern is prevalent in most the part in Jharkhand state. Thus agricultural land
near the streams are of greater value, which are under great stress due to the increasing trend of bank erosion.
Water Resources Department of Jharkhand reported that the bank erosion near the confluence of River Son
and North Koel (Palamu) and Ganges (Sahibganj) eroded away about 1000s meters of fertile lands and
habitations over the years.
1.2 Aim and Objectives
Looking into the severity of the problem, an assessment of the bank erosion along the major rivers were
studies using Geoinformatics technology in order to quantify the area and land use loss over the periods. In
the study two zones viz., River Son and North Koel confluence (Palamu) and Ganges (Sahibganj) were
selected, which were reported under great stress. The Survey of India topographical sheet (surveyed in 1972)
and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Cartosat-1 Satellite data (2008) were used to map bank line during 1972
and 2008 and the bank erosion assessment.
1.3 Methodology
The base information was extracted from Survey of
India Topographical sheets (surveyed in 1972) of the
area while recent bank line mapping were delineated
using Cartosat-I satellite data (having 2.5m spatial
resolution). The SOI Topographical sheets were
georeferenced using Cartosat –I satellite data in
UTM projection system and WGS 84 datum. The
bank line of river were delineated using 1972 and
2008 sources and changes in the river course as well
as loss of land were analyzed in GIS environment
(Figure 1).
Figure 1: Methodology adopted in the study
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
2. Study Area
The study area is the parts of Palamu district and Sahibganj District (Figure 2). Palamu district lies between
83o 49’ and 84o 35’ E longitude and 23o 47’ and 24o 38’ N latitude whereas Sahibganj district lies between 87o
54’ and 87o 25’ E longitude and between 24o 42’ and 25o 21’ N latitude.
Geographically, Palamu district covers an area of 4440.79 sq. km. The Sone River of central India is the
largest southern tributary of the Ganges, flowing in the north of the district from west to east while Koel
River is originating from the Palamu Tiger Reserve and flowing in the western part of Palamu District. The
river divides into two - the North Koel and the South Koel. The North Koel flowing south-west to north-east
joins with the Son River near Koiriadih. There are total 12 administrative blocks in Palamu. The study area
is about 30 km long stretch along the Right Bank of River Son and North Koel leading from Ambagarh to
Bhajania in Hussainabad block of Palamu district. According to Census (2001), the block has 29,113
households with aggregate population of 177,013. The block has 183 villages. Geographically, study area,
stretch of 30 km long river bank is bounded by 83o 51’ to 84o 01’ E longitude and 24o 26’ to 24o 38’ N latitude.
Figure 2: Map showing study area (a) location in Palamu district and (b) in Sahibganj district
Geographically, Sahibganj district covers an area of 2211.16 sq. km. The River Ganges flows from the north
east to south east of the district. The main tributary from the district to the River Ganges is the Samda River,
which flows from inland of the district. There are other tributaries to the River Ganges are the Kosi, Dhar
and Kalindri rivers, which flow from the adjacent state and join Ganges on the periphery of this district.
These tributaries also have impact on the river bank erosion along the district of Sahibganj. The district is on
the bank of river Ganges and adjoining the district of Katihar, on the south the district of Godda, on the east
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
the Maldah and Murshidabad district of West Bengal. There are total 09 administrative blocks in Sahibganj.
The river Ganges forming the northern boundary of the district enters at its north western corner and journeys
eastward up to Sakrigali where it takes a turn to the south and forms the southern boundary of the district up
to a little beyond Radhanagar in Rajmahal subdivision. The river has been drifting gradually to the north and
the Sahibganj town, which was once on the riverbank, is now about a mile away. The average width of the
Ganges in the district is about 4 and half kilometers. It generally swells during the rains and inundates the
lowlands lying east of the Railway loop line. There are ferry services across the river between Sahibganj ghat
in the Sahibganj district on this side and Manihari ghat in the Katihar district on the other side and Rajmahal
ghat in the Sahibganj district and Manikchak ghat in the Maldah district of West Bengal. Country boats also
ply in the river. River Gumani emerges from the southern region of the Rajmahal hills. It flows in a northeasterly direction up to Barhait valley where it is joined by the river Mural. The joint stream takes a southeastern turn and joins the Ganges a little beyond the district boundary.
3. Results and Discussion
River bank erosion is a natural phenomenon and an ignored challenge in Jharkhand. It is assumed that the
Jharkhand is free from flood/ bank erosion like problem. The present study reveals that during the period of
33 years river course has been shifted and encroached the acres of land in Hussainabad block of Palamu
district and Rajmahal, Udhwa and Taljhari blocks of Sahibganj district.
Bank erosion along River Son and North Koel in Palamu
Stream bank erosion in the area occurred under natural conditions, particularly during peak storm flows and
is part of an on-going cycle of sediment erosion and deposition within the stream system. The maximum
encroachment in Palamu district along the confluence of Son and North Koel was observed as 417.67 meters
near village Lemuatikar Tola/ Bidhaur while maximum deposition takes place near villages Bardiha and
Pansa accounting 116 meters (Figure 3a and b).
Bank erosion along River Ganges in Sahibganj
The bank erosion along River Ganges in Sahibganj is more devastating as compared to River Son and North
Koel in Palamu. The maximum encroachment observed as 3476 meters near villages viz., Ganeshpur, Sukhsena,
Budhbaria, Sakanda, Sobnapur, Saidpur, Munnapatal Lakkhipur, Dergama while maximum deposition takes
place near villages Budhmandaltola and Kamal (Figure 4 a and b).
Survey reports (1950s) reported the shifting tendency of Ganges River in Rajmahal region of Jharkhand state.
According to the study and comparison between the 1972 topographical maps and the Carosat-I data of 2008
the bank line found to be shifted towards the East and the leftward shifting causes severe bank erosion on the
of Sahibganj district. On the contrary, the interfluves gradually decreased due the shifting trend of the river. The
study exhibits that the interfluves distance between the river courses in 1972 was less than a kilometer and in
2008 it comes to 150m indicating the losing importance of the barrages in due course of time.
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
Figure 3.a: Bank erosion along the confluence of River Son and North Koel in Palamu district
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
Figure 3.b: Various locations in Palamu district representing bank erosion along the confluence of River
Son and North Koel
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
Figure 4.a: Erosion along the bank of River Ganges in Sahibganj district
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
Figure 4.b: Various locations in Sahibganj district representing erosion along bank of River Ganges
(A. Sukhsena block, B. Rajmahal block, C. Budhmandaltola block and D. Ganeshpur block)
The Gangetic flood plains increasingly getting waterlogged due to the unplanned land use pattern on the bank
of the river. The embankments can protect people from floods was proved to be false notion. The river basin
area is the important unit for planning and management of water resources. The integrated river basin
development programme aims at maximum use river basin water resources to meet all the water needs of the
basin region. Such development programs are the tools that need to address the issues like water requirement
of the basin and aspects of flood and drought of the region. An effective and planned management system has
to be developed to meet the problems of flood and it should develop a methodology to reduce the flood where
it is prone to. A water management could be effective when it considers all the aspects of flooding in the region
as like soil analysis, catchment area treatment and building check dams to reduce the flooding. An extensive
network of flooding warning system has to be developed in the flood plain areas. Flood plain zoning and strict
regulations on the location of settlement and economic activities in flood zones will help minimize loss of life
and property. While physical flood protection work like embankments and dykes will continue to be necessary,
the emphasis should be on non-structural measures such as flood plain zoning, to minimize losses and reduce
the recurring expenditure on flood relief.
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
Table 1: Approximate intrusion of rivers in village/ habitations (tola) of Palamu and
Sahibganj districts as observed during 1972-2008 (figures are in meters)
Along River Son and North Koel in Palamu
1. Bandiha
209
8.
2. Saharbihra
159
9.
3. Lemuatikar Tola
417
10.
4. Kolhua
98
11.
5. Koiriadih
282
6. Adhoura
208
7. Kobra Kalan
101
Along River Ganges in Sahibganj
1. Sukhsena Ghat
696
2. Kanhaiasthan
1371
3. Rajmahal
170
Parta
Sonepurwa
Deori Kalan
Budhua/Udit
Bigha
12. Barepur
13. Nadian
14. Ambagarh
4.
5.
Budhumandaltola
Ganeshpur
186
71
42
63 to 67
81 to 131
119
139
1228
3476
4. Conclusion
The study exhibits that although the more number of river intrusion and bank erosion were occurred in
Palamu district (at 14 major places) as compared to Sahibganj district (at 5 major places), the excessive area
were encroached by River Ganges in Sahibganj (total intrusion 6941 meters) as compared to River Son- N.
Koel (total intrusion 2229 meters). The volume of water and flow is the major reason for such variability in
bank erosion. The present study identified locations affected by of bank erosion during 1971-2008 and
indicated the urgent need to protect the river banks employing afforestation measures and other strategies.
The study also emphasized over the regular monitoring of river banks to plan and protect banks from further
erosion. River managers and policymakers, however, generally regard bank erosion as a process to be halted
or minimized in order to create landscape and economic stability.
Acknowledgement
The Authors wish to express sincere thanks to the Director, Jharkhand Space Applications Centre,
Government of Jharkhand for providing all necessary institutional support.
5. References
1. Das B., Mondal M. and Das A., 2012, Monitoring of bank line erosion of River Ganges, Malda District,
and West Bengal: Using RS and GIS compiled with statistical techniques, International Journal of
Geomatics and Geosciences, 3(1):239-248
2. Elahi K.M., John R.R. and Rogge J.R.1990. Riverbank erosion, flood and population displacement in
Bangladesh: A report on the riverbank erosion impact study, Dhaka: Riverbank Erosion Impact Study
(REIS), Jahangirnagar University (JU)
3. Florsheim J.L., Mount J.F. and Chin A., 2008, Bank Erosion as a Desirable Attribute of Rivers,
BioScience, 58(6):519-529.
4. Haque C.E. and Zaman M.Q. 1993. Human Response to Riverive Hazards in Bangladesh: A Proposal
for Sustainable Floodplain Development. World Development, 21(1): 217-29.
Najmul H. and Amit K.
Int. Journal of Advances in Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2014
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Assessment of Bank Erosion along Major Rivers: A comparative case study of River Son - North Koel Confluence and River
Ganges in Jharkhand
5. Julien P.Y. 2010, Erosion and sedimentation, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, Delhi
6. Rogge J.R. 1991. Individual and institutional response to riverbank erosion hazards. In: KM Elahi KS
Ahmed and M Mafizuddin (eds.), Riverbank Erosion, Flood and Population Displacement in
Bangladesh. Dhaka: REIS, JU
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