Evaluating the Changes in Water Resources due to the Impact of Man-Made Modifications for the Varahi River Basin, Karnataka

Jayashree, V and Venkatesh, B (2012) Evaluating the Changes in Water Resources due to the Impact of Man-Made Modifications for the Varahi River Basin, Karnataka. International Journal of Earth Sciences and Engineering, 5 (4). pp. 863-871.

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Abstract: Western Ghats, which runs parallel to the west coast of India are extremely important from the viewpoint of water resources in peninsular India because almost all the major rivers originate in them. However, this region is undergoing tremendous change in land-use/cover due to deforestation on one hand and forestation of degraded and grass lands by plantation forest on the other. The effect of such changes on the hydrologic regime of this hydroecologically sensitive region has not been studied comprehensively to understand influence of various hydrological parameters and how they acted together in defining the hydrology in this sensitive region. The Varahi is one such river in Karnataka which has undergone drastic changes in land cover due to human interventions. Therefore, the present study was taken up to evaluate the influence of land use changes and changed water use pattern on the hydrologic function of the river. These changes were studied by dividing the basin into two portions such as controlled and uncontrolled catchment by using remote sensing and geographic information techniques together with hydro-meteorological data. Analyses revealed a drastic change in flow patterns in the catchment especially after mid-90’s when the major changes in land cover due to human interference have taken place. Changes in flow pattern are most profound during non-monsoon season compared to monsoon season indicating a cumulative impact of changes in catchment viz., deforestation, urbanization and other land use activities. The individual contribution of each of these changes on total flow is difficult to discern due to lack of hydrological and meteorological records for acceptable time span. The study had provided empirical evidence on how land covers changes and commercial agriculture activities in the river catchment has brought drastic economic disparity between the upstream and downstream regions. This evidence can provide vital information for future planners to adopt measures which can ensure equal growth for both the regions.
Item Type: Journal Paper
Additional Information: Copyright belongs to Publisher
Keywords: Geographic Information System, Hydrometeorology, Land Cover Change, Remote Sensing, Varahi River
Subjects: School of Social Sciences > Sociology
Programmes > Water Programme
Divisions: Schools > Social Sciences
Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2015 06:24
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2015 06:24
Official URL: http://cafetinnova.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/...
Related URLs:
    Funders: UNSPECIFIED
    Projects: UNSPECIFIED
    DOI:
    URI: http://eprints.nias.res.in/id/eprint/828

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