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ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF BHUTAN
PHUNTSHOLING, CHHUKHA

Ganges River Water Shed

Submitted by: Jigme Tenzin(02220020)

Tutor: Mrs. Pema Choden

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Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................3
Description of the Ganges River Watershed...........................................................................................4
Hydrological Data......................................................................................................................................6
Precipitation :...........................................................................................................................................6
Streamflow:..............................................................................................................................................6
Evapotranspiration:.................................................................................................................................7
Soil Properties:.........................................................................................................................................8
Landuse:....................................................................................................................................................8
Topography:.........................................................................................................................................10
Rainfall Runoff relationships..............................................................................................................10
Hydrological Balance:.........................................................................................................................11
Conclusion................................................................................................................................................12
Reference..................................................................................................................................................13

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Introduction

The Ganges River, often referred to as the Ganga in India, holds a unique position as not just a
hydrological entity but also a cultural and spiritual icon deeply ingrained in the fabric of South
Asian civilization. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, the Ganges traverses
a remarkable journey spanning over 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) through the plains of
northern India before merging with the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh.
Understanding the Hydrology of the Ganges River Watershed:
Millions of people around the world depend on the Ganges River for their livelihoods, as it is
considered a lifeline in South Asia. The Ganges River watershed, which rises from the
Himalayan glaciers and flows through Bangladeshi and Indian plains, is home to a wide variety
of ecosystems and landscapes and is integral to the socioeconomic and environmental fabric of
the area.

Fig 1.0 Ganges river

We set out to investigate the hydrology of the Ganges River watershed in this introduction. We
examine the complex interactions between man-made and natural elements that influence the
hydrological dynamics of this important basin using a multifaceted lens. Every aspect of a
watershed, from the vast deltaic regions to the high peaks of the Himalayas, adds to its distinct
hydrological signature.

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Description of the Ganges River Watershed

Location: The Ganges River watershed is situated in South Asia, primarily within India, with
portions extending into Nepal, China, and Bangladesh

Fig1.1 Location of the Ganges river

The Ganga River Basin is located in South

Asia, primarily in the northern part of the
Indian subcontinent. It spans across multiple
countries, including India, Nepal, and
Bangladesh.

Fig 1.2 Ganga Water basin

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Size: The Ganges River watershed covers an area of approximately 1.08 million square
kilometers (417,000 square miles), making it one of the most significant river basins in the
world.

Characteristics:
The Ganges River basin is a geographically and ecologically diverse area.

Himalayan Mountain Range:This is where the Ganges starts off being known for its deep
valleys, towering peaks, and glacier covered landscapes. In addition to this unique alpine
ecosystems that support plant life typical for high altitudes as well as animals are found here on
top reachments.
Fertile Plains: The Ganges enters the fertile plains of Gangetic, famous for their rich alluvial
soil as it flows in a southern direction, and this provides a back up to agriculture since crops like
sugarcane, rice and wheat thrive here.
Deltaic Regions: The Ganges drains into Bay of Bengal at its southernmost extremity forming
the immense Sundarbans delta. The place has mangrove forests and tidal channels filled with
water, which is home to diverse species including Bengal tigers.
Diverse Ecosystems: This watershed is a biodiversity hotspot with protected areas hosting
several endemic and endangered species. They are composed of montane forests, temperate
woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and mangrove swamps.
Population and Human Activities: Millions of people live in this watershed area relying on the
river for their daily needs and water access. Nevertheless, pollution from urbanization coupled
with habitat loss as well as environmental degradation due to industrialization pose threats to
conservation initiatives as well as sustainable development.
The Ganges River watershed is important ecologically, culturally and socioeconomically because
human activities interact with nature affecting its environment and sustainability.

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Hydrological Data

Precipitation :
The Ganges basin receives nearly 1,000 mm of precipitation annually. The greatest amount of
rain – 84% of the annual total – falls during the monsoon season. Of the remainder, 7% falls
during the premonsoon season, 5% in the post-monsoon season, and 4% in winter.

Fig 1.3 Precipitation data during and before monsoon

Streamflow:
About 80% of annual flows come during July-Oct.
Monthly variation across years is very high. Peak flow in max flow year > 2 times the peak flow
in min flow year.

Figure 1.4 Flow rate and Discharge

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Fig 1.5 Annual streamflow

Evapotranspiration:
On an average, each square km of the Ganga basin receives a million cubic meter (MCM) of
water as rainfall. 30% of this is lost as evaporation, 20% seeps to the subsurface and the
remaining 50% is available as surface runoff.

Fig 1.6 Water balance components

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Soil Properties:
The soil properties of the Ganges River basin vary across its diverse landscape, influenced by
factors such as topography, climate, vegetation, and human activities.

Fig 1.7 variation of soil

The Ganges River basin exhibits diverse soil types, including fertile alluvial soils in the plains,
loamy and sandy soils in certain areas, and mountainous soils in the Himalayan foothills.
Wetland areas may contain organic soils. Human activities can influence soil properties,
impacting fertility and productivity.
Landuse:
Land use in the Ganges River basin varies widely across its extensive geographical expanse,
influenced by factors such as topography, climate, soil fertility, and human activities.

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In the Ganges River basin includes agriculture in the fertile plains, urbanization in expanding
cities, forestry in upland regions, water bodies for irrigation and navigation, conservation areas
for biodiversity, and cultural landscapes along the riverbanks.

Fig 1.8 Land use

Overall, land use in the Ganges River basin is diverse and dynamic, reflecting the complex
interplay of natural, social, and economic factors shaping the landscape and influencing the
sustainable management of resources within this critical watershed.

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Topography:
The topography of the Ganges River basin varies significantly across its vast geographical
extent, encompassing diverse landscapes from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the flat
plains of the Gangetic basin.

Fig 1.9 Elevation map of Ganga basin

Overall, the topography of the Ganges River basin is highly varied, ranging from rugged
mountains to flat plains and deltaic wetlands. This diverse topography plays a crucial role in
shaping the hydrology, ecology, and human activities within the basin, influencing factors such
as water flow, land use, and biodiversity.

Rainfall Runoff relationships

The Rational Formula is expressed as Q = CiA
where: Q =Peak rate of runoff in cubic feet per second
C =Runoff coefficient, an empirical coefficient representing a relationship between rainfall and
runoff.
Rainfall Runoff of Ganga=64.7%

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Fig 2.0 Basin States of Ganga river

Hydrological Balance:

In total, Ganga has 11 basin states - Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar,
West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and
Delhi.

Area of Ganga:1,086,000 sq km

volume
Discharge =
Time

= 12,020 cubic m/s

Catchment= 861,452 sq km

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Conclusion
In conclusion, the hydrological data analysis of the Ganges River watershed offers valuable
insights into the dynamics of this vital river basin. Through rigorous examination of
precipitation, streamflow, evapotranspiration, soil properties, land use, and topography, several
key findings emerge.
Firstly, the Ganges River watershed exhibits complex hydrological patterns, influenced by its
diverse geography, monsoonal climate, and human activities. Seasonal variations in precipitation
and streamflow are pronounced, with the monsoon rains playing a critical role in replenishing
water resources and driving hydrological processes within the basin.
Secondly, the analysis highlights the interconnectedness of various hydrological components,
including rainfall-runoff relationships, water balance components, and hydrograph
characteristics. Understanding these relationships is essential for predicting flood risks, assessing
water availability, and managing water resources effectively. Moreover, the impact of land use
changes on hydrological processes is evident, with urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural
expansion altering runoff patterns, soil moisture dynamics, and streamflow regimes within the
watershed. In conclusion, the hydrological data analysis of the Ganges River watershed provides
a foundation for informed decision-making and collaborative action aimed at preserving this
iconic river basin for future generations.

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Reference
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Comparison-of-the-runoff-in-the-Ganges-river-
computed-with-the-data-of-1995-and-with-the_fig1_2542091
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214581817303245#:~:text=Analysis
%20of%20results%20for%20an,Groundwater%20recharge%20(274.8%20mm).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7833893/
https://vikaspedia.in/energy/environment/know-your-environment/water/rejuvenation-of-
ganga

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