Monitoring the Yamuna river configuration between Vrindavan and Mathura for selection of feasible sites for plantation using multidate satellite data
P. N. Shah, A. Uniyal and P. K. Goswami Earth Resources Division, Remote Sensing Applications Centre, Sector – Jankipuram, Kusri Road, Lucknow - 226 021 (U.P.) The Yamuna river draining through alluvial terrain cuts its banks during floods and erodes large area during rain fall. The Yamuna river stretch between Vrindavan and Mathura has shown enormous changes in the recent past. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has been directed to implement the Yamuna river action plan for reducing pollution in the Yamuna river and to plant trees on its banks so as to check and control the bank erosion. Remote sensing technique has emerged as an important tool for monitoring the dynamic behaviour of the river and to understand the geomorphic history of the region through the analysis of past satellite data. It also provides vital information on migratory trends of the river from recent past to present day configuration before taking up any developmental activities in the vicinity of river regimen. Multi date satellite data of 1977, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 1997 have been utilized for visual interpretation and delineating the Yamuna river configuration and fluvial geomorphic features, for mapping of forest cover pattern and identifications of wastelands. The wasteland including ravinous and gullied lands identified at the edge of the flood plain and adjoining alluvial plain have been recommended as feasible sites for taking up plantation. Such measures will increase the forest cover and will control and check further erosion in the area. The study has also revealed that the Yamuna river is dynamic in nature, changes its course frequently during high floods and its banks are subject to erosion; therefore, plantation on river banks will get damaged. The Yamuna river has cut its right bank south of Akrur village and severely damaged open ber plantation and its total vegetation coverage has been reduced in the recent past due to bank cutting. Keeping in view the above facts, the feasible site for plantation should be away from the river bank. | ||
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