Sediment discharge in rivers is undergoing substantial changes globally due to climate change and human activities, making it a critical focus in fluvial geomorphic research. We investigated long-term trends in sediment load from steep mountainous rivers originating in the Western Ghats of peninsular India—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots.

Using official hydro-meteorological data from the mid-1970s to 2018 and a suite of statistical tools, we analysed sediment transport across 18 major river catchments and found consistent declines, amounting to losses of thousands of tons per year. In the northern Western Ghats, sediment trends closely follow variations in average rainfall. However, in the southern rivers, the marked decline is primarily linked to extensive dam construction and illegal sand mining.

Our findings offer important insights for managing sedimentation, water resources, and ecological health. By highlighting the combined influence of local anthropogenic pressures and climatic variability, we point out the need for integrated policy frameworks. These should include targeted regulation of human activities and adaptive strategies to enhance climate resilience—ensuring long-term water security and biodiversity conservation in this ecologically vital region.

Das, Yunus, Scaringi, Narayama (2025), Anthropocene.

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