Jiadhal River, Assam, India: An integrated Remote Sensing and GIS approach to study the sorrow of Dhemaji

Abstract

The Jiadhal River, one of the major rivers of the district is characterized by intense annual flash floods, rapid bank erosion and highly unpredictable channel migration. An integrated approach using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been used to analyse the dynamics of the river and its impacts within the area. Time series satellite imagery together with toposheets ware used to examine the extensive changes of the river during the period from 1924 to 2026. The analysis reveals random behaviour of the river with a progressive downstream extension of the river debouching point accompanied by increased sediment deposition and significant widening of the channel course. The flashy nature of river flow which is controlled by steep channel gradients, strong seasonal variability in discharge and tectonic influences within the catchment area plays a crucial role in governing the spatio-temporal variability of channel dynamics and sediment dispersal in the area. This dynamic channel behaviour significantly influenced the geomorphology and land use land cover of the area and has profound implications in the socio-economic condition of the state.