Two Centuries of Hydrogeomorphic Changes: Width-Discharge Dynamics of the Urbanised Yamuna River in Delhi

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of multiple barrages built on the 50-km-long reach of the Yamuna River in Delhi. We used historical maps and satellite images to determine changes in river width and flow dynamics over the past two centuries. Results show that the Yamuna River in Delhi has narrowed by about 68%, and its discharge has reduced by about 89% from 1799 to the present day. Over the past century (1912–2024), man-made embankments have disconnected about 33% of the floodplains. These changes in river width, discharge, and land-use with increasing population have reduced the natural capacity of the river to adjust to extreme events.