Morphological characterization and alterations in cross section of different order streams of Mahi river in Gujarat

A study was conducted during 2007–2010 to characterize the morphology of different order streams and to measure the alteration in cross section and bank of different order streams of Mahi River. Field monitoring of stream bank morphological parameters and alterations in cross sections and banks of different order streams was carried out at different sections of 6 categorized streams which are Mahi River, adjoining lower order streams directly draining into Mahi, 1 st order streams, 2nd order streams, 3rd order streams, and 4th order streams. The stream bank morphological conditions such as soil texture, bank angles, bank shapes and alterations in stream banks and channel cross sections of different category streams in different locations were collected and analysed. Results revealed that concave banks of all the category streams and straight banks of adjoining streams directly draining into Mahi and 1 st order streams are the vulnerable locations which needs immediate attentionfor controlling bank erosion or flood havoc.