Characterizing the implications of land use land cover change on hydrology of Kanpur region, Uttar Pradesh, India
Student name: Mr Mohit Kesarwani
Guide: Dr Neeti
Year of completion: 2017
Host Organisation: TERI University
Abstract: The research focuses on understanding the impact of land use/land cover change
on hydrology of Kanpur Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh using SWAT model. The
Kanpur district has several tanneries as well as leather industries in addition more
than 50% of the land being used for cropping. The waste from both industries and
agricultural lands are influencing the water resources. Therefore, the change in
land use practices are important to understand their effect on various hydrological
parameters such surface run off, groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration.
The seasonal and yearly land use/ land cover mapping were carried out using the
Landsat data from 2006 and 2015. These LULC maps along with digital elevation
model and climate variables were then used to simulate the hydrological
component. The two simulations were carried out corresponding to the two years
of LULC maps. The study shows urban expansion between 2006 and 2015 in the
study area at the expense of agricultural land and fallow/barren lands. The result
from SWAT model shows the impact of changes in land use practices on various
hydrological parameters. The result suggests an increase in surface run off and
decline in groundwater recharge in the district. Although the change is not so
substantial, groundwater being primary source of water in recent years, its decline
could be serious threat for meeting the water demand of the society.
Keywords: Land use/Land cover change, SWAT modelling, hydrological change
