Sapkale, J.B. - Channel Disturbance and Variations in Channel Cross-Sections of Tarali River, Using Advanced Surveying Techniques and Transit Theodolite

International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering
Website: www.ijetae.com (ISSN 2250-2459, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal, Volume 4, Issue 5, May 2014)
455

Channel Disturbance and Variations in Channel Cross-Sections
of Tarali River, Maharashtra: Using Advanced Surveying
Techniques and Transit Theodolite
Jagdish B. Sapkale
Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
Abstract The present research work of Tarali channel in
plan and profile is based on surveying, block contouring and
the maps of flow lines and material. The block counter map
helped a lot in getting detailed plan of the channel. The
present work deals with the study of morphology of a channel
which can best be understood through the study of channel in
section and channel in plan. For this purpose the selected sets
of superimposed cross sections have been discussed. The
changes caused by the discharge variations and alluvium
excavation also attempted. The present study highlights the
influences of widespread silt excavation carried out along the
banks of Tarali and Krishna rivers at Umbraj. The
concentration of alluvium excavation is more noticeable in the
lower reaches of River Tarali, near the confluence, tends to
shift the channel locations periodically.
Keywords Alluvium Excavation, Human Intervention,
Channel Cross-sections, Width- Depth ratio.
I. INTRODUCTION
A stretch of River Tarali, extending for about 4.325 km
in direction upstream from its confluence with River
Krishna forms the focus of the study area for the present
work. River Tarali is one of the major tributary of River
Krishna, in its source region. Prior to Tarali confluence at
Umbraj, only two major tributaries, River Venna and River
Urmodi, with sizable catchment areas enter into River
Krishna. River Venna, Urmodi as well as River Tarali
collect their headwaters from an extensive lateritic plateau
paralleling the Western Ghats. The plateau, 10 km away
from the Western Ghats Crest is runs for a distance of 80
km from Mahabaleshwar through Kas up to Patan. The
length of Tarali channel from its source at Jagmin hill in
the plateau region till the confluence with Krishna is 50 km
(Fig. 1.1).
Since the problem under investigation is related to
excavation of alluvium from banks of river channel and the
impact of human intervention on channel morphology,
studious works at global, national and regional have
referred.

The Tarali Project Report 1996 states that the upper river
basin falls in Deccan trap terrain of Cretaceous-Eocene age
comprising of compact basalt, amygdaloidal basalt and
volcanic breccia. The rocks have been covered by residual
type of overburden comprising soil and murum (weathered
basalt). Compact basalt is exposed in the river bed
extending upstream and downstream sides for long
distance. Work done by Deodhar and Kale (1999) gives the
distinct characteristics of Deccan Trap rivers i.e.
morphological and geomorphic characteristics of the
allochthonous rivers. Kale (1990) studied the pattern of
flow of the rivers of upper Krishna basin of the Deccan
Peninsula of India. The river and its major tributaries
emerge from the high rainfall zone of Western Ghats of
India and enter the semi-arid parts of the east. In many
parts the rivers of Maharashtra represents a phase of
aggradation. The basic cause of aggradation is the
reduction in available energy associated with the agent of
transportation. Similarly, Unde (1996), Zambre (1982),
Umarjikar (1984), Jog (1985), Ugale (1986), Khan (1987),
Joshi(1992), Saxena(1993), Hire(2000) have studied the
hydrology, morphology and geomorphic characteristics of
the rivers and river basins of Maharashtra.
The channel of river Tarali under consideration
represents a case of channel disturbance with response to
human interventions (Fig. 2). The human intervention in
terms of alluvium excavation for brick making activities
have occurring on a massive scale in the area at Umbraj
along River Tarali, therefore, the present study aims to
analyses the effect of alluvium excavation on channel
morphology, channel behaviour and cross sections.
Many authors have described the impact of man on
natural resources and environmental processes. Gregory
and Walling (1973) stated that the present understanding of
the human impact upon the processes provides an
opportunity to understand future problem and resolve the
same by formulating potential methods and techniques. On
the contrary, Ryabchikov (1975) asserts that unplanned and
haphazard harnessing of natural resources causes
irreversible damage.

456

He cites various examples to justify the case. Hence such
problems, related to channel changes become subject
matter of geomorphic concern. In connection to this
Leopold and Maddocks (1953) research work into the
statistical interrelationships amongst natural channel
parameters appears to be a pioneering attempt. Their work
on hydraulic geometry has set up new and rising trend in
quantitative geomorphology. They also argue that the
discharge is the dominant and controlling independent
variable which defines the geometry of the river channel.
Sharma (2000) argues that man, equipped with a variety
of skills; knowledge and superior technology, has
destroyed the natural resources without understanding the
rebounding repercussions even on his own existence.
Therefore he calls upon scientists, climatologists and
environmentalists to alarm the modern man against the
devastating impact of unscientific and reckless exploitation
of natural environment and save the life on planet earth.
Savindra Singh (1991) describes the changes brought in the
physical environmental processes on the earths surface. He
mentions that while the natural state of physical
environmental processes is still retained to a large extent,
recently man has emerged as a very important geomorphic
agent and is capable of changing the earths surface, much
faster than many of the natural processes. This signifies the
anthropogenic interference in geomorphic processes. Stress
imposed by human activities on global systems has drawn
attention of planners, earth scientists, environmental
managers and citizens that changes have occurred since
historic time but major transformations of landscapes
including fluvial and coastal systems continue to occur in
areas of human settlements and mineral extraction. The
environmental effects of Urbanization and related activities
of mining, quarrying and infrastructure development are
principal factors promoting anthropogenic changes in the
nature and processes of the earths surface (Osterkamp,
2000).
Osterkamp (2000) observes that environmental impacts
of mining sand, gravel and other building materials from
stream beds lead to modifications in stream regime. Loss of
alluvial terrace and flood-plain deposits has an adverse
effect on agriculture and other riparian-zone-land uses.
Meandering channel with point bars are formed with the
rising water in the channel, carrying sand as bed load. Jog
et al. (1996) discussed that the transportation of material by
the discharge passing through channel greatly depends on
the available energy and calibre as well as the amount of
load that is supplied to the channel.

Fig. 1 Tarali Basin and location map
Fig. 2 Extent of silt excavation along Tarali channel
In the study area, hydraulic geometry and cross sectional
characteristics of Tarali is influenced by natural processes
of fluvial systems and human interventions too. This
intervention would be viewed positively as well as
negatively. Plantation of thick vegetation alongside of
channel, possibly to protect agriculture land, may cause a
slow shift to the opposite side causing erosion on the other
side of the channel bank leading to change in cross section.
Therefore, it is necessary to study the variation in cross-
sections and morphological characteristics of the channel in
response to human intervention (Sapkale, 2008, 2010 and
2014).

457

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study aims to analyses the influence of
human intrusions in terms of alluvium excavation from
Tarali channel and channel disturbance. A segment of
River Tarali, extending for about 4.325 km in direction
upstream from its confluence with River Krishna has
divided into five stretches, basically on the basis of
alluvium deposits and excavation sites. The periodic
surveying in Nov/Dec and April/May has carried with the
help of transit theodolite using tacheometric method and
advanced surveying techniques. Block contour maps on
scale 1:1000 with contour interval of 1 m were prepared for
each survey session from 1994 to 1997 and 2002. The
stretch I, from KT Weir at village Hingnole, extends in
downstream direction for a distance of 910 metres. Stretch
II extends from 910 to 1700m; Stretch III from 1700 to
2485m ; Stretch IV From 2485 to 3250m and the stretch V,
extending from 3250 till the confluence of Tarali with
Krishna upto 4325 m (Fig 3).
Fig. 3 Five stretches of Tarali channel and locations of Cross-sections.
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Cross-sectional Characteristics of Tarali Channel:
In all 90 cross sections have drawn for each of the
survey and these have superimposed to find the changes in
the cross sectional characteristics of the channel. On an
average these cross sections are taken at an interval of 50
m. However, they are not necessarily equi-spaced. Initially
it was planned to take a section at every 100m distance.
Considering the intensity of excavation activity the
numbers of additional cross sections were taken at different
locations particularly wherever major changes were
noticed. This increased to 90 in all. Figures 4 to 8 show sets
of superimposed cross sections of 15 selected locations
covering three from each stretch.

Fig. 4 Stretch No. 1 : Selected cross sections of Tarali channel.
Stretch I (Cross Sections 01, 06 and 11)
The cross sections representing stretch I (fig 4) do not
show much of the variations from April 95 to Jan 97. The
average width of the channel in this section is of the order
of 100 to 140m. A close look at the diagram clearly shows
that the left bank of the channel has remained unaltered all
through the period under consideration. It may be noted
that there is total absence of excavation activity in this
stretch. However, there is slight variation in the cross
section shape along the right bank. The channel in this
section has a relative relief of 12-14 m.

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The left bank is nearly vertical while the right bank
shows somewhat deviations from near vertical nature.
Though insignificant the cross sections show a tendency of
erosion along the right bank.

Fig. 5 Stretch No. 2 : Selected cross sections of Tarali channel.
Stretch II: (Cross Sections 15, 21 and 24)
From stretch II onwards one finds considerable changes
in the cross sections. The width of the channel in this and
other stretches in down-stream direction continuously
increases. In stretch II the average width during April 95
was 183 m. and in Jan 97 the same increased to 215 m.

The cross section 15 located at the beginning of stretch
II have similar characteristics as those of sections in stretch
I. However in the central and downstream portion of stretch
II the variations in the width are of high order. It is in this
portion that one finds intensive excavation activity.
However within this stretch also the left bank records low
changes as compared to the right bank. The right bank
areas are more preferred locations for the excavation
activity. In the period April 95 to Jan 96 the extent of
migration (though a forced one) is of the order of 100m.
Because of heavy bank cutting, mainly for extracting the
silt, in right side channel width increased to 200-230 m
from its initial width of 60 m. Cross section (CS) 21 reveals
the deposition of the order of 1-1.5 m along the right bank
area in period between Jan 97 and Oct 2002. CS 24 shows
the continuous degradation of bed in almost every survey
period and constant migration of bank towards its right side
due to excavation. The bank is near vertical with average
drop of 10 m.
Stretch III: (Cross Sections 27, 35 and 40)
By and large it is the zone of greater width and has
intensive extraction activity, most unpleasantly affected
due to silt excavation. Though the bank material is not
highly erodible, the extraction of alluvium along the banks,
which at times extends to as much as 200-250 m, leads to
enormous increase in the width. In case of CS 27 the
average width of channel has found to be 70 m up to Apr
95, which further extended up to 150 m in its right in next
survey periods. Same CS gives the signs of two flow lines
in Dec 94 & Apr 95, bifurcated by a central bar and the
same has disappeared in Jan 96. On an average the height
of the left bar have also increased by 1 m in Jun 96. CS 27
also exposed the steep slopes of both bank with 10 m relief.
CS 35 of this stretch shows the variability in width,
changing from 60 m in Apr 95 to 180 m wide in Oct 2002.
Close inspection of this section also gives the signs of stack
appearance remnants which were the unexcavated
terraces/blocks remained left during Dec 94, also evidenced
the original width of the channel. The height of these
remnants was 4 m which shows the depth of the excavation
in left bank terraces. During Jun 97 this CS indicated that
excavation depth further increased for 2 m from the ground
surface, here excavation depth exceeds the depth of
thalweg.

459

Fig. 6 Stretch No. 3 : Selected cross sections of Tarali channel
This CS also proved the total absence of excavation
activity in its right bank, but large excavations along left
bank have had major impact on the changes in this cross
section.
CS 40 of this stretch with huge excavation along left
bank also shows the beginning of the large excavation
along the right bank. The width extended for 90 m
continuously from Dec 94 to Oct 2002 in right side. The
extent of migration from Dec 94 to Oct 2002 is very low in
its left side as compare to CS 35, but this CS illustrates the
yearly deposition and repeated excavation in old excavated
blocks in left bank terrace. Generally the average width of
the channel at this location is 200 m. The lowering of
thalweg is of the order of 1 m in CS 35 & CS 40 during
Oct 2002.

Stretch IV: (Cross Sections 43, 47 and 60)
This stretch indicated the maximum excavation along
the right bank as compare to the left bank and also shows
the variability in all surveys. Considering CS 43 & 47 for
first five survey periods, the left bank with upper terrace (6-
7 m height) was free from excavation, but the same was
scooped out during Jun 97. CS 43 of this stretch shows a
very narrow channel with 40 m, as this was the original
width of the channel, identified during first two surveys.
However in next five survey periods the width increased
towards both banks simultaneously due to the excavation
activities. The maximum width extended up to 250 m. It
has also identified that broken ridges of bank remained left
unexcavated in the right side of the flow line.

460

Cross Sections show the vertical right bank with a
relative relief of 7-8 m. The maximum variations in
channel width have been identified while referring the CS
47. Here the width of the channel in Dec 94 was 80 m
which has increased to 350 m during Oct 2002.

In CS 60, excavation in left side of the bank have
identified for Dec 94 only. The same location is almost free
from the excavation activity in remaining six surveys.
Right side of this CS shows the old excavated site where
fresh deposited silt has been excavated during Jun 97 and
Oct 2002. During Jan 97 depositions of bed material of the
order of 1.5 m have seen in all the CS of this stretch.
Stretch V: (Cross Sections 70, 75, 90)
In this stretch the silt excavation do not observed as
enormously as in its previous stretch. In this stretch CS 70
for first six surveys, shows the site where there has been no
intervention by human and therefore shows the channel
width of 50 m. At this CS there is a highway bridge.
During Oct 2002 this protected left bank widened for 100
m. Here right bank is near vertical due to rock exposure
with an average height of 12 m. CS 75 shows the old site of
excavation and also reveals two flow lines of the channel
with central bar during Oct 2002. The same CS also
evidenced the lowering of the bed to the extent of more
than 2 m. CS 90 is located near the confluence of river
Tarali & Krishna. The width of the channel is narrow (80
m) at the mouth of river and coupled with steep banks
during Dec 94 & Apr 95. However the slope declined in
next four survey periods.

Fig. 9 Left bank at confluence entirely excavated Oct 2002
At this location of the stretch, it is identified that right
bank is totally free from excavation. It has also observed
that Left bank excavation is of very low order up to Jun 97,
but the same site was badly excavated, leads to extend the
width for more than 200m (fig 9).
Width Depth Ratio:
Width depth ratio of a channel is always considered to
be a single index summarising the morphological
characteristics of a river channel. Generally the width is
expected to increase in downstream direction as the
channels become wider and shallower with progressive
decrease in the gradient.

461

Fig. 10 width-Depth ratio of Tarali channel
This condition more or less is followed by most of the
natural streams. However what is interesting is to consider
the rate of change of the Width/Depth (W/D) ratio in
downstream direction. For this purpose W/D ratios for all
the 90 cross sections have been obtained for Dec 94 and
April 97 survey sessions. The graph of W/D ratio is given
in Figure 10, even a cursory look at the graph shows that
the ratio does not change significantly during the period 94
and 97. However from the graph the channel of Tarali can
be considered to have three distinct segments. The first
segment can be identified to be coinciding with the first
stretch explained above. Here the curves of W/D ratio show
moderate increase till a distance of 1000 m. The W/D ratio
records rapid increase and values of the ratio rise to 50+ in
at 3000 m. The rapid increase in the ratio in this section of
the channel and its lowering in the next section appears to
be somewhat abnormal. It is obvious that the changes in
W/D ratios are caused more by human interventions rather
than the flow and form conditions adjusting to the
discharge.
IV. CONCLUSION
Variations in the channel cross sections as well as plan
form over a period of about 7 periodic surveys (94 to 97 &
2002), clearly indicate that such changes are more likely to
be caused by human interventions rather than by normal
processes of adjustment of channel properties to the
discharge. Therefore, it is concluded that, due to the
economic consideration that prevails over the ecological
ones the brick kilns would continue to operate in the
region. Unless some kind of restrictions are imposed on
excavations from the agricultural land the stability of the
channel and natural processes governing the same will not
get restored.
The unchecked excavations will not only continue to
disturb the natural process of adjustment but may also lead
to disastrous conditions in future. The only section where
the excavation is absent is in the vicinity of the highway
bridge. However if the impounding of the water continues
in upstream and downstream direction of this narrow
section along the bridge it is not unlikely that the material
over here even if not excavated will become more erodible
in near future and this may lead to unwarranted conditions.
Hence it is recommended that there should be some kind of
restrictions on excavation of agricultural land and river
banks, otherwise the study region will become vulnerable
for flood disaster.
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