ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the human efforts influencing the processes involved in evolution of this deltaic basin. During the British rule in Bengal, Bhagirathi, Jalangi and Mathabhanga rivers were collectively known as “Nadia Rivers”or “Kishnaghur Group of Rivers”. The basic morphometric attributes dealt for the Mathabhanga—Churni River Basin are area, length, perimeter, shape relative relief and slope. The entire basin is remarkably characterised by the floodplain which experiences flood at least once in every decade. The river Mathabhanga—Churni in its historical past was hyperdynamic and left numerous abandoned channels as fluvio-origin features, though the lower part these features are less prominent in number. Natural valley of the river Churni, in most cases, is characterised by the presence of natural vegetation on both the banks and is steep in nature. The river Churni is mentioned as an artificial canal in much local literature.
