GIS study on Impacts of Multiple Water Channel in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Abstract
Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) in Assam is a highly dynamic riverine landscape shaped by the Brahmaputra system and its tributaries, especially the Siang, Dibang, Lohit, and Dibru rivers. Over the last four decades, repeated flooding, bank erosion, channel migration, and river capture have transformed the park from a comparatively compact landmass into a fragmented wetland island. This manuscript presents a GIS- and remote sensing-based interpretation of fluvio-morphological change between 1985 and 2024 using satellite imagery, shape file overlay, and visual comparison of channel evolution. The analysis indicates a sharp decline in the park area from about 395 sq. km in 1985 to 220 sq. km in 2024. The growth of active channels, including the development of Channel-1, has accelerated erosion, isolated habitat patches, and affected fish resources and wildlife habitats. In addition, the catch per unit of fishes has decreased drastically in the last decade. The study highlights the importance of continuous geospatial monitoring and integrated conservation planning to protect this ecologically sensitive national park.
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