IMPACT OF LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGE ON RAINFALL-RUNOFF PROCESSES IN THE KANTAMAL CATCHMENT USING HYDROLOGICAL MODEL HEC-HMS

Abstract

This thesis investigates the Impact of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) transformations on runoff within the Kantamal Basin, Odisha, India. Employing the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), the study scrutinizes the alterations in runoff patterns stemming from the transition between two distinct LULC scenarios, representing the years 2006 and 2017. The research period spans from 2000 to 2019, encompassing the analysis of LULC dynamics for both years 2006 and 2017 alongside the meticulous preprocessing of streamflow data. Utilizing the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method for loss estimation, the Clark unit hydrograph method for transformation, and the Muskingum routing method for simulation, the HEC-HMS model is calibrated and validated for each LULC scenario. Results underscore the significant impact of LULC changes on streamflow characteristics, encompassing alterations in flow rates, temporal distribution, and variability. With high Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values (0.61 to 0.83) indicating strong agreement between observed and simulated runoff patterns, minimal bias reflected in low percent bias (%BIAS) values ( < 21%), and acceptable variability as indicated by Relative Squared Error (RSR (< 0.61). Moreover, the analysis reveals an increase in Peak discharge for the year 2017 compared to 2006 for both Lulc. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of how human-induced alterations in land use and cover impact hydrological processes, providing valuable insights for sustainable water resource management and land use planning in the Kantamal Basin and similar regions.