International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Relief and Drainage Analysis of the Great Ganga River and Daur River Basin in Pratapgarh District

The analysis of relief and drainage characteristics is an essential component of geomorphological and hydrological studies, as it helps to understand the structure, evolution, and hydrological behaviour of river basins. The present study examines the relief and drainage characteristics of the Great Ganga River and Daur River basin in Pratapgarh, which forms part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The study utilizes geospatial techniques including Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data obtained from the United States Geological Survey and drainage data extracted from India-WRIS to analyze the geomorphological and hydrological characteristics of the basin. Relief analysis indicates that the study area is characterized by low elevation variations and gentle slopes typical of the alluvial plains of northern India. The drainage analysis reveals a well-developed dendritic drainage pattern consisting of major rivers such as the Sai, Bakulahi, Loni, and the Daur River, along with numerous smaller tributaries and drainage channels that ultimately drain into the Ganges River system. Morphometric interpretation of the drainage network shows the presence of multiple stream orders, reflecting active surface runoff processes particularly during the monsoon season. The results demonstrate that relief conditions significantly influence drainage development, sediment deposition, and surface water flow in the basin. The study highlights the importance of relief and drainage analysis in understanding watershed characteristics and provides valuable insights for sustainable water resource management, flood control, and regional planning in the basin area.