River Hydrological Assessment through Cross-Sectional Water Discharge Estimation in the Jamuna River of Assam, India

Abstract

Rivers in North-Eastern region of India are known for sustaining the regional hydrology and contributing to the local livelihoods. Due to the limited field-based research works in the remote locations to quantify the river’s discharge characteristics, this field remains unexplored. Addressing this gap, this study aims to assess the hydrological behaviour of the Jamuna River (Assam), using the cross-sectional discharge estimation method. Jamuna River is a tributary of the Kopili River in Karbi Anglong (East Karbi Anglong) and Hojai districts of Assam. Through field-based data collected from three key cross-sections in Jamuna River, viz. from Manja (upstream), Bokolia (midstream) and Doboka (downstream); and subsequent estimation of water discharge using observed velocity, depth and channel width. This work reveals the spatial variability in the hydrological characteristics of the Jamuna River of Assam. The analysis shows a clear longitudinal increase in discharge volume from upper to the lower reaches, indicating cumulative catchment contributions. It establishes that variations in water discharge are closely linked with the geomorphology and land use patterns inside the basin. The increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate-induced hydrological variability in the micro regions like Jamuna watershed of Assam draws serious concerns regarding the basin sustainability and human interventions. The study also emphasizes the value of field-based hydrological assessments in complementing satellite and GIS-based models to develop grounded and location specific management strategies.