Integrating geospatial techniques and field survey to assess the changing nature of meander movements and meander geometry of Raidak-I River in the Himalayan foothills, West Bengal

Channel migration and resultant meander movements are the two important fluvial processes found in riparian environment of a river basin. The present research explores changing nature geometry Raidak-I River Himalayan foothill region using geospatial tools. study incorporated Landsat data (satellite imageries) for years 1972, 1980, 1988, 2004, 2012 2021 whole has been segmented into five periods i.e., 1972–1980, 1980–1988, 1988–2004, 2004–2012 2012–2021 to examine which type movement dominates within particular time frame how is being changed over time. Bank lines different have superimposed with help overlay analysis method ArcGIS software (Version 10.8) obtain results. Furthermore, Arc-Extension tools also used measure geometry. Twelve active bends identified sinuosity indices, length, width, meander-ratio, channel width radius curvature from 1972 2021. Initially, lateral predominated but, late-stage, rotational became much more prominent, indicates dynamicity recent cross-sectional revealed that convex bank frequently replaced concave vice versa. finds human intervention – especially construction embankments main reason behind such dynamics. we here very simple, thus can be considered any part world beneficial identifying suitable sites embankment construction, restoration management.