Impact of Anthropogenic Activities Along the Rani Khola, Gangtok District, Sikkim

The impact of anthropogenic activities along the river can be substantial and have far-reaching consequences for both the environment and human communities. Rani Khola is facing significant impacts due to anthropogenic activities. This study examines the geomorphic features along the Rani Khola in a buffer zone of 1 km, changes in land use and land cover over the 16 years, and the consequences of human interventions on the river morphology and pattern using a combination of primary and secondary data sources. Increase in population and built-up areas along the river are the two most triggering factors for the change in the river and its morphology. The major activities that affected the morphology and pattern of river are the construction of NH-31A and the mining of sand and gravel from the quarry ground. Due to the construction of NH-31A, the built-up areas have increased along the river making the river narrow, and numerous landslides along the river triggered by the construction of road and multiple channel formation due to the intensive mining in the river have resulted in the change in pattern and the morphology of the river. Understanding of these impacts is essential for identifying areas of concern and developing informed river restoration strategies.