Stream Flow and Sediment Load Variation in Middle Tapi Basin

The discharge and sediment load in natural rivers everywhere are enduring significant changes due to present climate changes and anthropogenic activities. Therefore, to inculcate management of water resources and soil conservation practices, it is crucial to identify variation of discharge and sediment load. In present study, the trend analysis of daily discharge and suspended sediment load is carried out using Mann–Kendall test, Modified Mann–Kendall test, and change point was determined using Pettitt test. Here, Sarangkheda from Middle Tapi Basin is chosen to understand the variability. Change point is observed at 2008 at Sarangkheda for both sediment load and discharge. After change point, average annual sediment load has decreased by 50% and average annual water discharge decreased by 20%. The decline in sediment load in Middle Tapi Basin shown major drop of sediment load which has arisen due to sediment entrapment by the dam. Sarangkheda carries average annual sediment load of 15.61 × 106 tons and average annual water discharge of 7.58 × 109 m3. Incorporating the trend in sediment load and discharge can be helpful for water management. Both climatic and human activities appear to be responsible for variation in flow pattern of the river.