Hydrogeomorphic analysis and assessment of land use-land cover changes pattern of Imphal River basin, Manipur (India)

River basin management involves a comprehensive appraisal of the dynamics of hydrogeomorphic features of the catchment that significantly influence rainfall-runoff patterns, erosion, and sediment transport potential, which influences the overall ecohydrological health of any river basin. The current study uses geospatial analysis techniques to highlight the hydromorphometric characteristics and temporal land/landcover change patterns of the Imphal River basin in order to highlight water resources management priorities. The study reveals that the Imphal River basin is moderately sloped with sparse vegetation and a moderate infiltration capacity of soil. The low bifurcation ratio of the 1st and 2nd ordered streams signifies susceptibility to moderate infiltration, leading to more flooding vulnerabilities. Moreover, higher slopes in drainage systems facilitate higher runoff rate, increased soil erosion and sediment transport and carrying potential. The spatio-temporal analysis of landuse patterns highlights a significant decrease in light vegetation (forest) cover (110.63–17.16 %), while there is a significant increase in the dense vegetation (2.50–2.79 %), built-up area (2.35–4.79 %), agricultural (3.49–7.40 %), and barren lands (4.82–5.63 %) from 2000 to 2023. The hypsometric integral of the river basin suggests that the catchment is in the equilibrium stage, with a good relationship between stream order, length, and number. Thus, the present study integrates hydromorphometric analysis with spatiotemporal landuse/landcover change patterns to understand the overall impacts on hydrological processes of the catchment area. Further, the study also highlights the need for holistic watershed management initiatives for effective planning and adaptation plans for hydroclimate-induced vulnerabilities in the region.