Analyzing the changes in river morphology of Satkhira district, Bangladesh using Earth Observation Techniques

Despite being a wealthy nation with many rivers, Bangladesh has lost and is still losing many rivers over time. Given that the nation is among the fastest-growing in the world in terms of population and urbanization, it’s about time we paid enough attention to the issue of river degradation. River dynamics play an important role in shaping the lives and livelihood of the local communities and human interventions are greatly affecting the dynamics of the river. The study has been undertaken to investigate the shrinking and dying rate of some rivers in the Satkhira district of Bangladesh over the last 50–60 years. The objective is to determine how much river degradation occurred in a specific location over time and the associated problems with it. Another objective is to find out the root causes behind these river degradations over the past years. Earth observation techniques will be used to assess the changes in the morphology of the river. Land use-Landover classification will be carried out along with the analysis of the causal factors for morphological changes of the river and its impacts on the population, where the perception of the local community will be considered. This study will help the policymakers to understand how human interventions are affecting the morphology of the river and its impact on the environment, thereby helping the government to undertake planned interventions and raise awareness among the local communities.