Drainage Network Analysis of River Basin Using Remote Sensing and GIS

An extensive geomorphological investigation was undertaken in the Belan River drainage basin, a significant tributary of the central Indian Tons River. The course of the Belan River closely follows the regional strike trend of the Vindhyan Supergroup rocks within the Son Valley. Notably, the river's drainage patterns exhibit a polymodal distribution, with distinct NW–SE and N–S trends being particularly prominent in the basin. The presence of knick points further substantiates subsurface deformation, while the basin's tilt, as determined through the asymmetry factor and evident in the longitudinal river profiles, indicates ongoing slope adjustments. This study adopts a primarily quantitative approach to comprehensively develop the Belan River watershed. Notably, the Belan River and its tributaries hold historical significance as early human settlement sites. Groundwater, a vital resource for both drinking and irrigation, primarily originates from surface rainwater or shallow-dug wells. These wells are predominantly located in small pockets of alluvium or regions characterized by highly fractured/jointed rocks. This research marks a noteworthy advancement in applying quantitative methodologies for effective drainage management and exploring groundwater potential, thereby significantly contributing to the holistic watershed development of the Belan River basin.