River Bank Erosion and Restoration in the Brahmaputra River in India

Abstract

The complex and unique riverbank erosion characteristics of the Brahmaputra River in India, the fourth largest river in the world in terms of average discharge at the mouth and second only to the Yellow River in China in the amount of sediment transported per unit drainage area, is highlighted with illustrations of the severity of erosion caused at various bank locations. First, the source and the entire course of the river are described. Riverbank erosion mechanisms and existing erosion control measures and their effectiveness in the Assam reach of the Brahmaputra River are described. As part of a joint effort for the first time between U.S. and Indian (local) investigators to understand and find solutions to this mega unique problem of the Brahmaputra River, a set of recommendations, including a phase-wise multiple solutions to the acute and potential riverbank erosion sites along this large river, is forwarded for discussion and getting feed back from international experts.