Use of Asymmetry Indices and Stability Indices for Assessing Channel Dynamics: A Study on Kuya River, Eastern India

This paper aims to examine the nature of width, depth and configuration distribution along Kuya River and their temporal directionality of changes. It also pays attention to prepare some simplified indices regarding basin asymmetry, channel asymmetry and river bank stability and to explain the nature of basin and channel asymmetry and river bank stability using those constructed indices. Irregular channel configuration, fast rate channel widening in upper and middle reaches reflect the human interference. Basin asymmetry index or Areal asymmetry index (BAI or AAI) is only 0.39 which speaks that basin is asymmetric and basin tiltation is toward right catchment but channel or thalweg asymmetry index (CAI or TAI) says that it is reverse to basin asymmetry on an average. Bank stability is fairly poor for the entire channel. River channel asymmetry and bank stability are linked with total width pattern of the channel.