Sub-watershed prioritization of Koyna river basin in India using multi criteria analytical hierarchical process, remote sensing and GIS techniques

Abstract

Watershed characterization and prioritization have become essential for proper natural resources management and sustainable development. This paper introduces an empirical hierarchical method based on the multi-criteria analytical hierarchical process (AHP). This method has been applied for sub-watershed or watershed prioritization and land and water development of sensitive areas in the Koyna River Basin. The study area was delineated and classified into nineteen sub-watersheds, which referred as SW1 to SW19. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods are highly developed that help planners and policymakers create reliable and timely plans and decisions. The geomorphologic parameters are used in the watershed prioritization analysis covering the linear/areal aspects viz. the bifurcation ratio, stream density, stream frequency, drainage intensity, texture ratio, overland flow with profile factors. Drainage intensity is identified as the most important of morphometric characteristics to identify the prioritization of the watershed. We have found that SW1 to SW5, SW9, SW10, SW16, and SW19 very high priority sub-watersheds, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW11, SW13, SW15, SW17, and SW18 moderate priority sub-watersheds and SW12 and SW14 low priority sub-watersheds in the basin area using RS and GIS methods. These sub-watershed wise planning and management would be beneficial important for the maintaining the ecosystem, and recharging groundwater. The results can be helpful to the development and planning of groundwater resources.