Current Status and Decadal Growth Analysis of Krishna - Godavari Delta Regions using Remote Sensing

Demarcation and continuous monitoring of shorelines are essential for understanding the dynamic nature and processes of the coastal areas. Shorelines of delta regions are ecologically and economically sensitive and dynamic. Changes in the environmental conditions and human interference affect the balance of delta's morphology. As delta areas are severely disturbed by natural as well as anthropogenic factors, it is essential to study the current status and their growth pattern. This study focuses on the decadal change analysis of Krishna-Godavari delta region on the east coast of India from 1973 to 2014 using satellite data. Advanced remote sensing and GIS technology along with statistical tools are efficient to study the changes in the delta. Results show that the major accretion over these areas is due to the growth in the geomorphological landforms like spits and bars. It is observed from the 40 years of analysis over Godavari delta river mouths; Nilarevu (-781 m), Gautami (-2.2 km), Vainateyam (-463 m) and Vasishta (-320 m) are under erosion. During 1973-1993, Gautami and Vasishta river mouths showed higher erosion of 1.6 km and 1.4 km whereas Nilarevu mouth marked 972.6 m of accretion. High erosion was observed in the northern part of the Krishna delta due to the reduction in the size of the spit and high accretion in the southern part of the delta during the period between 1973 and 2014. It is inferred that surface coastal current pattern during monsoon and post monsoon in Krishna delta support the growth of a spit in the south-western direction. This study has brought out the current status and growth patterns of Krishna-Godavari delta in last few decades. This kind of study helps in proper management and planning of the coast which requires accurate knowledge about the endurance of the area.