Morphometric analysis of sand mining-induced changes in the Sutlej River

The fluvial morphology of rivers is highly dynamic and vulnerable to both natural processes and human interventions. This study presents a comprehensive morphological assessment of the Sutlej River in the Jalandhar region of Punjab, India, with a particular focus on the impacts of sand mining. Geomorphic indicators, including river migration, channel width, bank erosion, and bar dynamics were determined by using multi-temporal satellite imagery for the year 2014 and 2024 with respect to the year 2001. Significant temporal and regional differences in channel morphology were found by the investigation, especially at sites where sand mining is heavily practiced. A detailed geomorphometric evaluation of the basin was conducted using SRTM-derived DEMs and standard hydrological tools, revealing a dendritic drainage pattern and moderate drainage texture (4.95), indicative of relatively stable fluvial conditions. Pronounced lateral shifts were observed in proximity to 35 identified sand mining locations, as evidenced through riverbank delineation and displacement analysis conducted at 5 km intervals. Comparative assessments of sediment load between post-monsoon 2023 and pre-monsoon 2024 further highlighted sediment redistribution associated with intensive mining hotspots. The results underscored the changed sediment transport patterns, accelerated channel dynamics due to sand mining and made areas more susceptible to flooding and ecosystem loss. The findings demonstrate a clear spatial association between intensified mining activity and increased bank erosion. The lateral shift of banks in varied from 8.6 to 972.49 m, whereas the total deposition and erosion area at both the banks was determined as 1561.85 ha and 2263.41 ha respectively. The total deposited area in the study area at left and right bank was 637.65 and 924.20 ha respectively, whereas the total eroded area at left and right bank was 1247.17 and 1016.24 ha. In addition to being a sign of geomorphic instability, these changes present significant threats to the riverine ecosystem, such as habitat loss, decreased sediment connection, and heightened vulnerability to flooding. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable sand mining practices, reinforced by continuous geomorphological monitoring using GIS and remote sensing, to mitigate environmental impacts and support effective management of riverine ecosystems.