Abstract
Morphometric analysis of major watersheds based on satellite images using hydrological module of ARC GIS software in the drought prone Barind Tract in the north-western part of Bangladesh has been carried out for its relevance in the water resource management. Here meteorological and hydrological drought effects increase day by day along with demand for groundwater irrigation, turning the area into acute agricultural drought condition. The studied watersheds have stream orders ranging from 1st to 6th, show dendritic drainage pattern, and represent homogeneity of soil texture; possibility of flash flood after heavy rainfall with low discharge of runoff; and not largely affected by structural disturbance. The moderate drainage density indicates semi-permeable soil lithology with moderate vegetation. Elongated shape watersheds are with low to moderate relief and are bounded in the east by land area of the Barind Tract of moderate to steep slope. It reveals a flatter peak of runoff flow for longer duration and gravity flow of water. Flat to gentle but undulating slope of the watersheds represent good category for water resource management owing to favorable site for infiltration due to maximum time of runoff water percolation. The east facing slopes of the watersheds show higher moisture contents and higher vegetation. The major part of the watersheds comes under cultivated land which supports the future basin development and management for water resource. Finally, present study would be useful in categorization of watersheds for future water resource development and management, and selection of suitable sites for water conservation structures like check dam, percolation tank etc., and artificial recharge of groundwater through MAR technique.
Highlights
Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world
The aim of the present study is to identify prevailing morphometric parameters of the major watersheds in the drought prone Barind Tract with a view for water resource management in the sustainable way
The near surface lithology is characterized by poor permeable capacity with moderate drainage, relief and vegetation which is supported by the relationship between top soil lithology and hydrological analysis of the studied watersheds
Summary
Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The country experiences disasters of one kind, another or a cruel combination of more extremes such as floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, etc. The extreme weather events along with high population density, poverty level and social inequity, inadequate financial resources etc. Have made Bangladesh highly vulnerable to disaster. Since independence in 1971, the country has suffered from nine droughts of major magnitude, but its devastating nature has attracted far less scientific attention than floods or cyclones, because the losses from drought are likely to be more severe than those of floods. Drought has impact on water resources; understanding the drought phenomena have implication in this resources management. Water resource management is indicated to remain at the core of sustainable
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