Published Paper Details:

The Kale River Basin in the Eastern Himalayas presents a dynamic hydrological system shaped by intense monsoonal rainfall, diverse land use patterns, and complex topography. This study investigates the interrelationship between rainfall, land use, surface runoff, and channel discharge over three hydrological years (2020-2023) using field-based experiments, remote sensing, and geospatial analysis. Results indicate a strong correlation between rainfall variability and both surface runoff and river discharge, with barren and agricultural lands showing the highest runoff sensitivity. Forested areas, while contributing significantly to total runoff, showed a moderate response, indicating their role in buffering hydrological extremes. Surface runoff and channel discharge accounted for an average of 78.2% and 70.6% of the total water volume, respectively, highlighting rapid conversion of rainfall into flow with limited groundwater recharge. The increasing discharge trend corresponds with rising rainfall and changing land use, highlighting the integrated watershed management. This study emphasizes the need for sustainable land-use practices, forest conservation, and enhanced water retention strategies to mitigate flood risks and ensure long-term hydrological resilience in the ecologically fragile Eastern Himalayan region.