HYDROGEOMORPHIC CLASSIFICATION OF WETLANDS IN MURSHIDABAD DISTRICT

Abstract

Wetlands are among the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth, playing a critical role in maintain ecological balance, water purification, and so many human economic benefits. In the Gangetic floodplain of West Bengal, and particularly within Murshidabad District, numerous wetlands have historically supported a symbiotic relationship with society through human cultivation. However, rapid anthropogenic transformations by the means of intensive groundwater based agricultural practice, infrastructural development and increasing water pollution have profoundly altered hydro-ecological characteristics of wetland. In this current chapter an attempt has been made to characterized wetland according to Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) framework to address the distribution, typology, and functionality of wetlands in Murshidabad District. Drawing on Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model, We have prepared a Digital Groundwater Models (DGM), using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study identifies key hydrogeomorphic subclasses that reflect both natural and human-induced changes.