LANDUSE/ LANDCOVER PATTERN IN FLOOD AFFECTED RIVER ISLAND OF BRAHMAPUTRA VALLEY & ITS IMPACT ON ECONOMIC SCENARIO: A GIS BASED STUDY

Abstract

Majuli Island which is located in the central mid part of Brahmaputra valley which supports a population mass of 1.67 lakhs people has been continuously affected by annual flood since time immemorial. The nature of floodplain changes for a period of 40 years has been represented using topographical map and high resolution LISS-IV satellite data, and the associated land-use change is assessed by utilising hybrid classification in GIS environment. Land-use change shows that there is an increase in settlement and agriculture classes and a marked decrease in the island territory. The area affected by erosion–deposition and river migration comprises primarily of the agricultural land. Effect of river dynamics on settlements is also evident. Loss of agricultural land and homestead led to the loss of livelihood and internal migration in the floodplains. The observed pattern of river dynamics and the consequent land-use change in the recent decades have thrown newer environmental challenges at a pace and magnitude way beyond the coping capabilities of the dwellers.