Abstract:
A study on Assessment of channel migration characteristics of Bharathapuzha river
from Pallipuram to Purathur was conducted in Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering
and Technology Tavanur. The objective of the study was to identify the changes in the left
and right bank reach of Bharathapuzha using GIS and RS and to identify the hot spots for
maximum stream bank erosion in this reach.
Satellite imagery from USGS Earth Explorer Sentinel 2-A was taken for the pre-
monsoon (February) and post-monsoon (October) months of 2017,18,19 and 20. Spatial
analysis was done in these data sets to obtain results for the given objectives.
The maximum shift on left bank was observed along section C i.e., near
Chamravattom and maximum right bank shift along section D i.e., near Perunthallur. The
hotsopts were identified near Minipamba Temple, Kuttippuram, near Chamravattom and near
Nilayoram Park. More left bank shift was observed in the river channel i.e., more erosion
taking place at the left bank of the river channel.
The lateral shift and high rate of erosion along some points were observed. The high
rate of erosion taking place may be because of the excessive and unpredictable rainfall
leading to floods in recent years and excessive sand mining activities taking place in the
Bharathapuzha. This had led to considerable shifting and large amount of deposition taking
place on the other side of erosion leading to the shrinking of the river. Water level is
decreasing due to deepening of the bed. This had also led to change in river morphology and
geometry and flood conditions. Hence, with the help of this study the trend in the river
channel flow can be predicted and also steps can be taken for the rejuvenation of the
Bharathapuzha river.
