A Detecting Land Use Land Cover Changes Induced by the Dynamics of River Indus, Pakistan, from 1972 -2022, Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Hameed Ullah Khan; Abu Bakkar; Junaid Ullah Khan Aman; Dr. Ihsan Ullah Khattak

Authors

Hameed Ullah Khan Department of Geography and Geomatics University of Peshawar
Abu Bakkar Department of Geography and geomatics university of Peshawar
Junaid Ullah Khan Aman Department of Geography and Geomatics University of Peshawar
Dr. Ihsan Ullah Khattak Department of Geography and Geomatics University of Peshawar

Keywords:

Indus River Shifting, Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), Erosion and Accretion Patterns, Flood Management, Socio-Economic Impact.

Abstract

Introduction/Importance of Study: This study evaluates the shifting of the Indus River and its impact on land use and land cover from 1972 to 2022 using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques.

Novelty Statement: This research uniquely addresses the intricate relationship between river shifting and LULC changes, providing new insights into flood management and land use planning. Chronic alluvium erosion due to the river's fast flow has led to poverty among residents and annual national asset losses, affecting the economy.

Material and Method: Using satellite images from 1972 to 2022, the research employed GIS and remote sensing techniques to analyse river sinuosity, channel migration, erosion, and accretion patterns, along with LULC changes. Methods included calculating the Indus River's sinuosity index, assessing channel and bank migration, and applying the Normalized Difference Water Index and maximum likelihood classification for accurate LULC assessment.

Result and Discussion: Long-term results indicated that river erosion influenced land area, increasing settlement areas, decreasing vegetation, and causing fluctuations in barren land, water bodies, and agricultural land. Built-up areas expanded considerably, indicating population growth in floodplains. Erosion and deposition have notably affected agricultural and settlement areas, leading to socio-economic stress and internal migration. Satellite images taken during spring and dry seasons (March to May) showed minimal stream flow due to lower rainfall. Maximum erosion and management plans are critical for Reaches A, B, C, H, I, and J from 1972 to 2022. Minor embankment improvements are necessary for these reaches, as initial migration occurred on the right side for Reaches A, B, and C, shifted to the left from D to G, and affected both sides from H to J.

Concluding Remark: This research highlights how important GIS and remote sensing are for studying river changes and their effects on land use. It provides valuable information to help make better decisions about managing floods and planning land use.

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