Geological Safeguarding

Summary:

Geologically, river networks tend to achieve equilibrium between tectonic uplift and erosional phenomena in river basins, but both factors have come under significant anthropogenic influence in modern times. Hence geological safeguarding with geomorphological upkeep of the basin is of key importance. The identified geological vulnerabilities of NRGB include disruptive underground activities such as excavations, explosions, tunneling, mining, fracking, and overwithdrawal of ground-water from confined and semi-confined aquifers, as well as over-ground activities such as the operation of large reservoirs. Anthropogenic geomorphological damages are identified to be primarily due to harmful land-uses that enhance erosional stresses. The recommended actions include control/ restriction of geologically hazardous activities and geomorphologically damaging land-use practices, drainage improvement and stabilization of disturbed areas, mapping river migration zones, and continuous geological monitoring of the NRGB and her dynamic rivers.

Source: Gangapedia

Taxonomy

• River Studies
• River Basin management
• River Restoration