Research Article

Land Use Classification and Watershed Analysis of

Assi River, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Mohit Kumar Srivastava1, Arun Goel2, Anurag Ohri3

Abstract
Watershed analysis is essential for planning development activities or improving the features of a terrain.
It gives an idea for various features like - aspect, elevation, slope, drainage, urban distribution, etc. in the
area. This study is done either by field survey or with the help of various software tools. Varanasi has been
selected as one of the cities to be developed into a smart city. But being one of the oldest cities of the
world, a proper sustain planning is really essential to make this a reality. In the present study, river Assi
(a tributary of Ganges) , geographically located between - 25°16’59.0” N and 83°00’35.3” E, in Varanasi
district of Uttar Pradesh (India), has been considered. Continuous dumping of waste, heavy encroachments
and improper planning has reduced this river into nothing but just a drain. Being a tributary of Ganges,
all of this waste further reaches Ganges water, depleting its water quality too. Software’s like ArcGIS,
ERDAS Imagine 2016 and SWAT has been used for the study of the watershed of this Assi River. The
overall classification accuracy from the Land Use map for the 3rd order watershed has been computed as
89.32% with Kappa Coefficient being 0.7751. A digitized map of the watershed is prepared to compute
the percentage of various features like - settlement, water bodies, cultivated land, etc. in the area of the
watershed. Through SWAT, watershed has been divided into various sub-watersheds, which enables to
in identification of key drains of the river. This study will thus not only help in identifying urban pattern
of the area, but will also help in identifying key aspects that are to be answered in order to remediate
Assi back to its river form through proper planning of development activities around Assi River without
affecting its ecology.

Keywords: GIS, Land use, Sub-watersheds, SWAT, Watershed analysis

Introduction
Land cover refers to the physical characteristics of earth’s surface i.e. the distribution of vegetation, water, soil and other
physical features of the land, including those created solely by human activities e.g. settlements. Land-use implies the
way in which land has been used by humans and their habitat. The land use/cover pattern of a region is the result of
natural and socio-economic factors and their utilization by man in time and space. Information on land use/cover and
various possibilities for their optimal use is essential for the selection, planning and implementation of land use schemes
to meet the increasing demands for basic human needs and welfare. This information also assists in monitoring the
dynamics of land use resulting out of changing demands of increasing population.

There have been numerous studies of land cover change analysis on different watershed by various elite researchers.

P.G. Student, 2Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
1

Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3

Correspondence: Mohit Kumar Srivastava, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar
Pradesh, India.

E-mail Id: srivastava.mohit0720@gmail.com

Orcid Id: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7082-9912

How to cite this article: Srivastava MK, Goel A, Ohri A. Land Use Classification and Watershed Analysis of Assi River, Varanasi, Uttar
Pradesh, India. J Adv Res Const Urban Arch 2017; 2(3&4): 32-37.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): https://doi.org/10.24321/2456.9925.201701

ISSN: 2456-9925

© ADR Journals 2017. All Rights Reserved.

J. Adv. Res. Const. Urban Arch. 2017; 2(3&4) Srivastava MK et al.

This change analysis is essential to formulate effective
management strategies for the watershed. With various
modern techniques like - remote sensing and Geographical
Information System (GIS), land use/cover mapping has
helped in selection of areas deciding the selection of areas
appropriate for agricultural, urban and/or industrial areas
of a region.
Varanasi, due to rapid urbanization... With the rapid
urbanization in last few decades, the population of city
has grown to a tremendous extent. The city is bounded
by two tributaries of Ganges - Varuna in North and Assi
in South, Due to inappropriate planning of sanitation and
sewerage system across the city, the enormous dump
that is generated by people is dumped in these tributaries
without any treatment. This raw waste not only pollutes
these tributaries but also Ganges. Since, Assi River flows
through a major portion of the city; it has been affected
the most. Today, Assi has almost lost its river form and has
been reduced to a Nala (drain).
Study Area
The present study area is located in the Varanasi district of
Uttar Pradesh (Fig. 1). Geographical coordinates of Varanasi
is 25.28°N latitudes and 82.96°E longitudes. Varanasi is
located at an elevation of 80.71 m (264.8 ft) in the centre
of the Ganges valley of North India, in the Eastern part
of the state of Uttar Pradesh, along the left bank of the
Ganges, averaging between 15 m (50 ft) and 21 m (70 ft)
above the river. It lies at the eastern extent of the state
and encompasses an approximate area of 1535 sq. km.
It has a population of around 1.202 million, as per 2011
census. Being located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North
India, the land is very fertile because low level floods in
the Ganges continually replenish the soil.

Figure 1.Study area

Assi River (Fig. 2), empties itself into the River Ganges at Assi Ghat
(25°16’58.47”N and 83°0’35.11”E). Along its course, there
The Assi River surfaces from Karmadeshwar Mahadev are numerous small industrial and domestic drains that
Kund at Ghamahapur (25°16’5.81”N and 82°57’30.01”E) empty its waste into the river.
and after a brief course of around 7.7 km through the city

Figure 2.Assi River as visible in Google Satellite image of Varanasi

Assi Watershed
The delineated watershed from the ArcGIS covers an
approximate area of 13.5 km2 for a length of 7.7 km of the
Assi River, the outlet being at Assi Ghat in the River Ganges.
The basin (Fig. 3) has been identified as a third order basin
and the average discharge of the river is approximately 30
MLD. The drainage of the basin was of dendritic nature
and hence lacked structural control. The average relief
was found to be approximately 24 m, basin perimeter as
24.7 km, the drainage density as 1.59/km. The watershed
showed a terrain which was mostly flat in nature indicting
low runoff and therefore high infiltration capacity.

33 ISSN: 2456-9925
Srivastava MK et al. J. Adv. Res. Const. Urban Arch. 2017; 2(3&4)

Figure 3.Delineated watershed of the Assi River

Methodology obtained, an overall classification accuracy percentage
is computed which gives an idea of the accuracy of the
An ASTER-DEM (Advanced Space borne Thermal Emission map and Kappa coefficient is computed. Thereafter, the
and Reflection Radiometer - Digital Elevation Model) for watershed is divided into various smaller sub-watersheds
the concerned area is obtained from USGS (United States using SWAT tool of ArcGIS. This enables the identification
Geological Survey) database of 30 m resolution and is then of key sub-watersheds that contribute most to the Assi
processed in ArcGIS 10.1 to obtain the watershed using River flow.
pour-point method. The present work aims to study the
watershed of this Assi River on the basis of its Land Use Types of Classification
and Land Cover (LULC). The delineated watershed from
ArcGIS for Assi River is classified using ERDAS Imagine ERDAS Imagine is used as a remote sensing system for the
2016 and its various features like settlement, water bodies, extraction and classification of multispectral image data in
cultivated land, fallow lands, etc. are identified using a predefined land cover categories (Table 1), so that it can
suitable classification method. From the LULC map thus be used in further information distribution.
Table 1.Feature percentage in Assi watershed
Feature Area (km2) Percentage (%)
Settlement (Buildings, parks) 5.100 37.78
Water Bodies (Lakes, Ponds, river) 0.936 6.93
Cultivated Land 0.346 2.56
Fallow Land 1.683 12.47
Others (Trees, unmarked settlements, empty lands) 5.540 41.04

In ERDAS Imagine, there are mainly two types of image
classification - supervised and unsupervised classification.
In the supervised classification approach a group of training
pixels are selected that are representative for the specific
land cover units. This training dataset forms the basis
for classification of the total satellite image, by using the
maximum likelihood classifier. The Maximum Likelihood
Classifier applies the rule that the geometrical shape of a
set of pixels belonging to a class often can be described
by an ellipsoid.
In unsupervised classification approach, isodata clustering is
used, in which clusters of pixels - based on their similarities
in spectral information - are automatically classified into the
desired number of LULC categories. When performing an
unsupervised classification it is necessary to find the right
number of classes that are to be found. Too many, and the
image will not differ noticeable from the original, too few
and the selection will be too coarse. In areas where ground
control or ground truth is completely absent, this can be a
useful approach. After an unsupervised classification it is
a challenge to “find out” or “discover” what these classes
mean in reality and what the position of boundaries mean
in reality.
Data Accuracy Assessment
Visual comparison of two classifications is not precise
enough and can be subjective. In modern mapping an
accuracy assessment is necessary. The classification of
pixel data is checked using Accuracy assessment tool of
ERDAS IMAGINE. This tool helps in understanding of how
well and accurate the classification is in the map. Accuracy
assessments (Table 2) helps in determination of the quality
of the information derived from remotely sensed data.

ISSN: 2456-9925 34
J. Adv. Res. Const. Urban Arch. 2017; 2(3&4) Srivastava MK et al.

Table 2.Accuracy totals

Class name Reference Classified Number correct Producer’s User’s accuracy Kappa
totals totals accuracy (%) (%)
Pastures 3 3 2 66.67 66.67 0.6564
Water Bodies 3 3 2 66.67 66.67 0.6564
Trees 3 5 3 100.00 60.00 0.5876
Fallow Land 9 9 8 88.89 88.89 0.8779
Built Up 73 73 69 94.52 94.52 0.7971
Roads 12 10 8 66.67 80.00 0.7727
103 103 92

Terminologies Used expected to occur by chance.

7. Developed by Cohen, the Kappa coefficient measures
1. Error/Confusion/Contingency matrix: It lists the values
for known cover types of the reference data in the
columns and for the classified data in the rows. The
main diagonal of the matrix lists the correctly classified
pixels.
2. User’s Accuracy: If correct classified pixels in a class are
divided by total number of pixels that were classified
in that class, this measure is called user’s accuracy.
User’s accuracy (%) = 100% − error of commission (%)
the proportion of agreement after chance agreements
have been removed from considerations.5 Kappa
increases to one as chance agreement decreases and
becomes negative as less than chance agreement
occurs. A Kappa of zero occurs when the agreement
between classified data and verification data equals
chance agreement. According to Gwet and Vierra and
Garret - Kappa Coefficient can be calculated using the
formula7,9:

3. Error of Commission: It refers to the classes which show

a different land-cover on the ground than predicted
on the map.
4. Producer’s Accuracy: The producer’s accuracy is derived
by dividing the number of correct pixels in one class
divided by the total number of pixels as derived from
reference data. The producer’s accuracy measures
how well a certain area has been classified.
Producer’s accuracy (%) = 100% − error of omission (%)
5. Error of Omission: It refers to the proportion of
observed features on the ground, which are not
classified in the map.
6. Kappa Coefficient: The Kappa coefficient is a measure
of overall agreement of a matrix. The Kappa statistic
incorporates the off-diagonal elements of the error
matrices and represents agreement obtained after
removing the proportion of agreement that could be
Where,
P (A) = number of times k raters agree
P (E) = number of times k raters are expected to agree
only by chance
According to Anderson et al., the minimum level of
interpretation accuracy in the identification of land use and
LULC categories from remote sensing data should be at least
85%.2 The classification done shows an overall accuracy of
89.32% which is an acceptable percentage for the current
classification. Average Producer’s accuracy is 80.57% and
average User’s accuracy is 76.13%. Overall Kappa value is
0.7751. Henceforth, a Land Use and Land Cover map (Fig.
4) is prepared for the watershed and various features are
identified (Table 2).

Figure 4.LULC map of the Assi watershed from LISS-III image as obtained from ERDAS Imagine

35 ISSN: 2456-9925
Srivastava MK et al. J. Adv. Res. Const. Urban Arch. 2017; 2(3&4)

Figure 5.Various sub-watersheds of the Assi watershed as obtained from SWAT tool
SWAT (Soil and Water Analysis Tool) Watershed There is a 97% overlap between the watersheds obtained
Delineation from ArcGIS (for LULC map) and that obtained from SWAT.
This happens due to small variation in the outlet point
SWAT as an extension of ArcGIS, has been used for division taken, but since the drainage pattern is identical in both the
of the Assi watershed into various sub-watersheds. cases hence, they and their results (for analysis purposes)
The watershed delineator of SWAT uses the entire can be considered identical to each other.
Digital Elevation Map (DEM) of the area to make a flow
accumulation and a flow direction map of the area. Later Topographic Report (Table 3) generated from SWAT analysis
an outlet is selected, which further aids in delineation shows a watershed map of the area with 15 smaller sub-
of the watershed of the Assi River. Once the watershed watersheds. These sub-watersheds each are analyzed for
is delineated, SWAT divides the Assi watershed into 15 their respective elevation and longest flow path values. The
smaller sub-watersheds (Fig. 5), longest flow paths of each sub watersheds (SW5, SW6, SW8, SW9, SW12) closer to
of these watersheds is known too. This enables to identify the main river stream, shows longer flow paths indicating
the watersheds that affect the most to the flow of Assi that their contribution to the main drainage is maximum
River. and the most significant of all.
Table 3.Topographic report showing characteristics of various sub-watersheds
Minimum Maximum Mean elevation Standard Longest Path
elevation (m) elevation (m) (m) deviation (m) (m)
SW 1 8.0 31.0 18.6150 2.9557 1973.7617
SW 2 9.0 28.0 18.3819 2.3573 2520.1513
SW 3 10.0 30.0 17.4692 2.6491 1270.3843
SW 4 8.0 31.0 16.5894 3.1646 1265.7135
SW 5 10.0 25.0 17.2457 2.3666 2181.1442
SW 6 11.0 28.0 18.2464 2.1907 2222.8172
SW 7 10.0 32.0 17.0031 2.7118 1792.9822
SW 8 8.0 31.0 18.8796 2.6363 2390.8244
SW 9 10.0 25.0 18.0145 2.0078 2284.0496
SW 10 14.0 21.0 16.9687 1.7257 694.2175
SW 11 14.0 29.0 18.5938 1.8868 1958.4348
SW 12 13.0 31.0 19.4397 2.6103 2540.7687
SW 13 14.0 25.0 17.2727 1.7447 1031.9849
SW 14 12.0 23.0 17.6325 1.6793 1653.4374
SW 15 12.0 25.0 18.2682 2.1114 1658.5464

Conclusion
In the present work hence, an attempt is made to study
the watershed of this Assi River. The watershed that has
been delineated for the river has an approximate area
of 13.5 sq. km. around it, outlet being at Assi Ghat - the
confluence Point of Assi River with Ganges. The basin (or,
the watershed) is observed to be of dendritic in nature and
is found to be of 3rd order. The terrain around the river has
been found to have low relief indicating lower runoff and
high infiltration capacity. Hence, the river flow also affects
the ground water to some extent.

ISSN: 2456-9925 36
J. Adv. Res. Const. Urban Arch. 2017; 2(3&4)
Thereafter, a supervised classification using ERDAS Imagine
2016 is done for this watershed, which indicated an
acceptable overall classification accuracy of 89.32% and
Kappa coefficient of 0.7751. It indicates that the classification
done is accurate and acceptable, as according to Anderson
et al., the minimum level of interpretation accuracy in the
identification of land use and LULC categories from remote
sensing data should be at least 85%.2
It can also be inferred that the percentage of settlement
in this watershed is maximum, i.e. 37.78%. This clearly
indicates that the increased population of the city has
maximum affect on the topology of the area. The increased
population and unplanned settlement has led to increased
waste production and increased encroachments around
the area, this also affects the flow of the river.
Further, with the use of SWAT’s watershed delineator
tool has been used too for delineation of the catchment
too. SWAT analysis breaks the watershed into 15 smaller
watersheds whose various physical parameters like
elevation, longest flow path is studied. This longest flow
path helped in identification of key sub-watersheds having
the maximum longest flow paths, as these are the sub-
watersheds which affect most to the flow of the Assi River.
The Assi River is undergoing rapid degradation due to
continuous dumping of wastes, encroachments and
unplanned settlements around it. It needs an immediate
attention, before it solely loses its ‘river’ form and becomes
a ‘Nala’ (or a drain) for forever.
Scope of Further Study
This study can help in making a planned effort to control
or measure the flow of the river even in extreme cases like
flood. The watershed gives us an idea of how the stream
is being affected by its surrounding smaller streams. Since
this Assi River, ultimately empties its waste into the Ganges
River (at the outlet of the watershed), thus it may also helps
in monitoring the sewage entering the Holy Ganges. By
extending this study to construction of a hydrologic model
of the watershed, this study can help in getting values like
discharge, infiltration, runoff, etc.Ganges is the main source
of Irrigation and hydraulic power source for Varanasi, this
study can help in understanding the amount of discharge
of waste or sediment that flows into the Ganges.
Assi River is close to extinction, and all the efforts made for
37
Srivastava MK et al.
cleaning of Ganges would all go waste unless appropriate
attention is given to Assi River (or so, reluctantly called ‘Assi
Nala’). This work is an attempt to bring out a solution to
this problem so that it could be extended to other similar
programs of re-mediating a river or a stream.
References
1. Alqurashi AF, Kumar L. Investigating the use of remote
sensing and GIS techniques to detect land use and land
cover change: a review. Advances in Remote Sensing
2013; 2: 193-204.
2. Anderson JR, Hardy EE, Roach JT, et al. A land use and
land cover classification system for use with remote
sensor data. Geological Survey – USGS 1976; 3: 28.
3. Biswas S, Sudhakar S, Desai VR. Prioritization of
sub-watersheds based on morphometric analysis of
drainage basin: a remote sensing and GIS approach.
Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing 1999;
27(3): 155-66.
4. Butt A, Shabbir R, Ahmad SS, et al. Land use change
mapping and analysis using remote sensing and GIS: a
case study of simply watershed, Islamabad, Pakistan.
The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space
Sciences 2015; 18: 251-9.
5. Cohen J. A coefficient of agreement for nominal
scales. Educational and Psychological Measurement
1960; 20: 37-46.
6. Congalton RG. A review of assessing the accuracy of
classification of remotely sensed data. Remote Sensing
of Environment 1991; 37: 35-46.
7. Gwet K. Inter-rater reliability: dependency on trait
prevalence and marginal homogeneity. Statistical
Methods for Inter-Rater Reliability Assessment 2002;
2: 1-10.
8. Rawat JS, Kumar M. Monitoring land use/cover change
using remote sensing and GIS techniques: A case study
of Hawalbagh block, district Almora, Uttarakhand,
India. The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and
Space Sciences 2015; 18: 77-84.
9. Viera Anthony J, Garrett Joanne M. Understanding
interobserver agreement: the kappa statistic. Family
Medicine 2005; 37(5): 360-3.
10. Waikar ML, Nilawar AP. Morphometric analysis of a
drainage basin using geographical information system:
a case study. International Journal of Multidisciplinary
and Current Research 2014; 2: 179-84.
ISSN: 2456-9925