Decadal Morphodynamic Evolution of the Sutlej River Basin: A Geospatial Perspective on Channel Shifts and Basin Response

This study investigates the geomorphological dynamics and riverbank instability of the Satluj River along the Jalandhar boundary in Punjab using morphometric analysis and multitemporal satellite imagery from 2014 to 2024. Morphometric parameters derived from SRTM DEM reflect an elongated basin with moderate drainage texture and a low bifurcation ratio, indicating limited structural disturbance but high erosion potential. River channel delineation using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2A imagery revealed substantial lateral migration, with the left bank undergoing maximum erosion of – 366.47 m (Reach 11) and the right bank showing peak deposition of + 238.77 m (Reach 13). The central reaches (7–13) emerged as critically vulnerable zones, with simultaneous erosion and deposition reflecting unstable channel morphology. These changes are exacerbated by post-2014 flood events and anthropogenic activities such as sand mining and unregulated land use. The findings highlight that the Satluj River is facing accelerated bank erosion, loss of riparian stability, and degradation of adjacent land—necessitating urgent developmental interventions, including sustainable riverbank protection, habitat restoration, and long-term conservation planning.