Water Resources and Management in Gori Ganga Watershed, Kumaun Himalaya by Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

Uttarakhand Himalaya has been famous for its water resources (source for many rivers), forest diversity, unique wildlife, rich traditional culture, tribal culture and sacred Hindu’s shrine (i.e. Gangotri, Yamnotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath). The present study aims to assess the status of water resources in the Gori Ganga watershed. Water resources and their management were collected through field visit, use of Global Position System (GPS) and various methods (include questionnaire, personal interviews, direct interaction and group discussion with the villagers). Study explores the ability of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in delineating watershed and drainage network of the Gori Ganga River basin. Gori Ganga watershed is laying in Eastern Kumaon Himalaya with great utility of water resources in socio-economic development for livelihood where the settlements are situated in valleys to high altitude. Gori Ganga drainage network i.e. Ralam, Mandakani and Bona gad is glacial fed river and these entire Rivers’s water received annually from glaciers which are very useful for development of villages, towns and hydro power stations in the watershed region. Study explores some traditional water resources (Glacier, streams, springs/Dhare/Naule, lakes/Kund/Taals and drainage network) and uses of water resources for traditional uses i.e. Gharat (watermill), drinking water, hydro power production, agriculture irrigation, fisheries and animal husbandry etc. in the study area. Keywords: Water Resource, Management, Socio and Economic Development, Remote Sensing and GIS.