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By: K.A.G.M. Dilhari and I.A.K.S. Illeperuma.
Faculty of Geomatics ,Department of Remote Sensing & GIS, ,
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract– Soil erosion and river channel shifting are critical environmental problems with major socio-economic implications. These issues are exacerbated in areas experiencing rapid land use and land cover (LULC) changes. The study investigates the soil erosion due to LULC Changes and river channel displacement areas of the Gin Ganga River Basin over the period of 2014-2024. Using RUSLE model and GIS-based analyses, mean annual soil erosion were estimated as 0.36 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in 2014 and 0.33 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in 2019 , but it raised to 1.10 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in 2024 (233% increase from 2019). The LULC change analysis revealed a rapid urbanization with built-up areas expanding by 12.29 km² , Dense forest increased by 15.65 km² from 2014 to 2024, showing steady growth throughout the ten years period while the bare lands declined by 26.43 km² from 2014 to 2024. Conversion of dense and less dense forest into bare lands and agricultural lands were dominant factors contributing to the increased soil erosion. Analysis of the river channel shift with the Channel Migration Toolbox showed that the mean migration distance reduced from 183.65 m (2014–2019) to 128.69 m (2014–2024). However, these values are higher than expected due to anthropogenic pressures, specifically frequent sand mining, hydrological variations, and urban expansion within this Gin Ganga River Basin area. These results underscore the need for sustainable watershed management practices to mitigate soil erosion and limit river channel shifting in the Gin Ganga River Basin.
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