Assessment of Rapid Geomorphological Changes Due to Frequent Floods on the Upper Krishna River India: A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach Final Paper Number: EP31E-1256 Wednesday, 11 December 2024; 08:30 -12:20 EST

Rivers have historically been the cradle of human civilization. Understanding channel planform and geomorphological characteristics is essential for assessing the impacts of extreme floods and land use alterations on river health. This study examines the dynamic behaviour of the Upper Krishna River over a 30-year period (1991-2021). Also, it considers the year 2019, which has a record of flood with the highest flood level (HFL). Using spatial data from various satellite missions, analyzed through Remote Sensing and GIS, the changes in the active river channel area, mean width, bank line migration, erosion and accretion areas, sinuosity index, and land use land cover changes were evaluated. The river channel was divided into seven sub-reaches, revealing that certain sections require immediate bank protection interventions. Our findings indicate that the left bank is shifting and more prone to erosion compared to the right bank, with significant geomorphological changes resulting from hydraulic structures in the basin. The river's sinuosity index confirms its meandering nature. Additionally, land use changes show considerable urban expansion near the riverbanks, increasing vulnerability to future floods. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic behaviour of the Upper Krishna River and will aid authorities and decision-makers in planning river training works and future development projects.