ABSTRACT
The present study embraces the analysis of the anthropogenic impact on the forms and processes of the Kangsabati river. The elongated shape of the Kangsabati river basin is a representative of tripartite division of plateau, plateau-fringe and plain river basin, where erosional features dominate over an extensive part of the plateau and plateau-fringe section of the basin than its depositional counterparts in the plain section. In a drought-prone area, depending on seasonal pattern of flows of the river, distinct types of landforms have developed in different parts of the basin. Moreover, to utilise the water resources of the river for irrigation and flood control, anthropogenic mechanisms have been directly involved in the alteration of sediment supply and discharge of water, which in turn, modified the fluvial forms and processes of the basin. This study indicates that human interference by means of constructing dams, pick-up barrages, weirs and embankments, mining sands and gravels, constructing permanent and temporary cross bridges and changing landuse–landcover pattern has brought a perceptible change in the geomorphologic characteristics in different segments of the course of the river as well as forms and processes of different parts of the river within the basin. As river basin is a fundamental geomorphic unit for morphological studies, therefore, this study provides physical basis for planning oriented approach towards integrated management of land and water resources throughout the basin.
