Prioritization Of Sub-watersheds Research Articles

Morphometric assessment and sub-watershed prioritization of Khari River basin in semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India

Watershed management is very crucial for arid and semi-arid regions dealing with limited availability of water resource. Morphometric assessment and prioritization studies provide basic criterion for effective local level watershed planning and natural resource management. The present study is an attempt to analyze morphometric characters of the Khari River basin and prioritize the sub-watersheds on the basis of ground water potentialities indicated by morphometric parameters using GIS approach. Khari River is semi-arid ephemeral; it is a tributary of Banas River, an important river of central Rajasthan (India). The basin has been subdivided in five sub-watersheds namely SW1 to SW5. Linear, areal, and relief parameters are calculated for Khari basin as well as for each sub-watershed. Morphometric parameters that are related to groundwater potentialities are ranked and compound factor values are calculated for each sub-watershed and priority is allotted based on these values. First priority is given to the least value of compound factor that indicate most deficit ground water condition. Overall results illustrate that Khari is a sixth-order stream and covers 6205 km2 area. Dendritic pattern is observed in Khari and in all the five sub-watersheds that indicate homogenous nature of underlain material and less structural control in the topography. Presence of low bifurcation ratio, low drainage density, and low drainage frequency values are favorable parameters of good permeability, infiltration in the basin, further gentle slope, coarse drainage texture, moderate to low relief, and elongated shape—all these parameters indicate good groundwater potentialities in major portions of the basin. Prioritization results show that the sub-watershed SW4 is at first priority with most deficit groundwater potential in comparison to other sub-watersheds and require water conservation measures. Sub-watershed SW4 has high values in linear parameters and low value in shape parameters that specify for poor groundwater potential, less permeability and high runoff, etc. Sub-watershed SW5 on contrary has indicated highest ground water potential in comparison to other sub-watersheds of the basin. The study provide local drainage morphometric information and preliminary prioritization for better water resource management in semi-arid region to achieve water self-sufficiency and sustainability at basin level.

A TOPSIS approach-based morphometric analysis for sub-watersheds prioritization of high Oum Er-Rbia basin, Morocco

The study area covers 1871 km2 is located in the upstream of Oum Er-Rbia river basin, between latitudes 33° and 34° North, and longitudes 4°30′ and 5°20′ East. Watersheds prioritization based on morphometric parameters through the analysis of linear, areal and relief aspects is necessary in order to develop a sustainable watersheds management plan. The High Oum Er-Rbia basin has been subdivided into 17 sub-watersheds using remote sensing data (Aster-DEM) and Geographic Information System. For prioritization of sub-watersheds. The Multi-Criteria Analysis through the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), were applied to determine the relative weights of various parameters. Linear parameters; such as bifurcation ratio (Rb), drainage density (Dd), stream frequency (Fs), drainage texture (Dt), and shape parameters such as form factor (Rf), shape basin (Bs), elongation ratio (Re), compactness constant (Cc), and circularity ratio (Rc). The present study is an attempt to use TOPSIS approach based morphometric indices for prioritization of watersheds for water and soil resources conservation and management. The results show that sub-watersheds 2 and 6 have been ranked 1 and 2 assigned to highest closeness (C i + ) to ideal solution with 0.6838 and 0.6788 respectively. These sub-watersheds must be given the highest priority for soil and water conservation measures, to insure future sustainable agriculture, water quality and to prevent silting of Ahmed El-Hansali Dam.

Multi-Criteria Watershed Prioritization of Kas Basin in Maharashtra India: AHP and Influence Approaches

Watershed is unique bio-physical unit of the Earth’s surface and source of resources to the people. These resources are being exploited for various purposes. AHP based multi-criteria analysis is useful for prioritization of watersheds for planning, management and development. Nineteen criterion i.e. Rb, Lb, A, Lb, P, Dd, P, Fs, Rf, Re, CC, Dt, T, Di, If, Rh1, Rn , slope and soils were selected for prioritization of sub-watersheds of Kas basin in Maharashtra (India). Correlation analysis suitable for robust judgment for ranking the criterion was used for prioritization of selected watersheds. Drainage intensity (27.80%), texture ratio (13.90%), bifurcation ratio (9.27%), geology (6.95%) and basin length (5.56%) show higher influence on formation of watershed structure in the region. Influences of criterion were estimated based on weights calculated using AHP techniques. Values of influences were normalized using distribution of selected criterion within the sub-watersheds. Watersheds were classified into three categories of priorities: high, moderate and low priorities. The methodology formulated in this study can be efficient tool for rapid prioritization of watersheds for planning and management for development.

Prioritization of Sub-Watersheds in a Large Semi-Arid Drainage Basin (Southern Jordan) Using Morphometric Analysis, GIS, and Multivariate Statistics

GIS-based morphometric analysis was employed to prioritize the W. Mujib-Wala watershed southern Jordan. Seventy six fourth-order sub-watersheds were prioritized using morphometric analysis of ten linear and shape parameters. Each sub-watershed is prioritized by designated ranks based on the calculated compound parameter (Cp). The total score for each sub-basin is assigned as per erosion threat. The 76 sub-basins were grouped into four categories of priority: very high (12 sub-basins, 15.8% of the total), high (32 sub-watersheds, 42.1% of the total), moderate (25 sub-watersheds, 32.9% of the total), and low (7 sub-watersheds, 9.2% of the total). Sub-watersheds categorized as very high and high are subjected to high erosion risk, thus creating an urgent need for applying soil and water conservation measures. The relative diversity in land use practices and land cover, including variation in slope and soil types, are considered in proposing suitable conservation structures for sub-watersheds connected to each priority class. The adaptation of soil conservation measures priority-wise will reduce the erosivity effect on soil loss; while increasing infiltration rates; and water availability in soil profile. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduces the basic parameters and erosion risk parameters to three components, explaining 88% of the variance. The relationships of these components to the basic and erosion risk parameters were evaluated, and then the degree of inter-correlation among the morphometric parameters was explored. The verification of priority classes obtained through morphometric analysis was tested using Discriminant Analysis (DA). The results show a complete separation existing between the identified priority classes. Thus, soil erosion risk and geomorphic conditions are found entirely different from one class to another. The present results are intended to help decision makers to plan for efficient soil and water conservation measures to achieve future agricultural sustainability in the rainfed highlands of Jordan.

Prioritization of subwatersheds based on quantitative morphometric analysis in lower Bhavani basin, Tamil Nadu, India using DEM and GIS techniques

Watershed prioritization is one of the most important processes in natural resource management system especially in areas of sustainable watershed development and planning. Morphometric characteristics are the viable entity to understand the hydrological behavior of the subwatershed. For prioritization of subwatershed, morphometric analysis was utilized by using the linear, areal, and relief aspects of the drainage basin. In this context, remote sensing and GIS has been proved to be an efficient tool to identify the morphological features. The Survey of India (SOI) topographical maps, satellite data IRS-LISS III, and Cartosat DEM data were utilized to understand the drainage pattern and also for prioritization of subwatershed areas. The prioritization of subwatershed has been attempted using novel and quantitative approaches based on compound parameter ranking for soil erosion. Lower compound factors were chosen as the most feasible for soil erosion. Based on the observation, eight subwatersheds with a higher degree of the slope were severely prone to soil erosion and remaining 21 subwatersheds occur in low-lying areas that can be developed as sustainable watersheds. The identified subwatershed requires immediate soil remediation and water conservation measures for efficient watershed planning and management. The proposed study might be helpful for resource planners, government agencies, private sectors, and other stake holders to take up soil conservation measures and fixation of water-harvesting structures for better decision making.

Landuse change impact on sub-watersheds prioritization by analytical hierarchy process (AHP)

Landuse change analysis is considered as elementary in planning and land management of a basin. The present study provides information of change in landuse in 1990, 2000, 2011, and future prediction of the year 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050 of different sub-watersheds within a basin, which is a part of the Narmada river basin in central India. The major objectives involve landuse prediction by Markov Chain model and sub-watershed prioritization using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify and manage environmentally unstable areas in future. Different landuse categories are used as factors in prioritization analysis. Landuse of 2011 indicates a transition of about 312km2 of forest area to agricultural land and 10.64km2 to settlement in 2020, which increases to 678km2 and 21.29km2 in 2050 respectively. There is also a transition of forest to scattered forest and grasslands and increase in the areas of the rocky surface. AHP is applied to identify sub-watersheds of highest priority, which indicates the sub-watersheds 5 and 6 are of very high priority in 2011 along with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 that are in most places plain areas used for agriculture and settlements. Sub-watersheds 8 and 9, which are forest areas, are observed to be of medium to low priority in future. However, 2050 projects high priority for all the sub-watersheds that calls for efficient landuse management and decision. Most of the northern sub-watersheds of 1 to 7 and 12 of south need high priority.

Erodibility prioritization of sub-watersheds using morphometric parameters analysis and its mapping: A comparison among TOPSIS, VIKOR, SAW, and CF multi-criteria decision making models

Soil erosion, every year imposes extensive damages to human beings by means of reducing soil productivity and filling reservoirs from sedimentation in Ghaemshahr Basin in Mazandaran Province, (Iran); therefore, identifying prone areas to soil erosion for preventive measures is essential in this basin. In this research, erodibility prioritization of sub-watersheds of Ghaemshahr Basin has done using morphometric parameters analysis and different multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) models such as simple additive weighing (SAW), VlseKriterijumska optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR), technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and compound factor (CF). For this purpose, Advanced Space Thermal Emission Radiometer (ASTER), a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with spatial resolution of 30m used for extraction and analysis of 23 morphometric parameters including basic, linear, shape, and landscape. For validation of the MCDM methods, the indices of percentage of changes and intensity of changes were used. The results of prioritization of sub-watersheds indicated that in TOPSIS and CF models, sub-watershed 30 with 0 and 13.33 scores are located in first rank, respectively, which is known as the most prone sub-watersheds to erosion. Also, results showed that sub-watersheds in terms of susceptibility to erosion, in CF model has an one category namely Low; meanwhile, in TOPSIS and VIKOR models show four classes including low, moderate, high, and very high. In contrast, for SAW model there are three classes of moderate, high, and very high susceptibility. In general, the results showed that morphometric parameters have high efficiency in identification of erosion-prone areas and also VIKOR method has higher predictive accuracy than TOPSIS, SAW, and CF models.

Identification and prioritization of sub-watersheds for land and water management using InVEST SDR model: Rmelriver basin, Tunisia

Tunisia presents many favorable conditions for the outbreak of water erosion because of its climatic and physical characteristics. This phenomenon represents a serious threat to the natural resources of soil and water. The aim of the present study is to identify the most vulnerable areas in order to help managers implement an effective management program. Thematic layers and parameters were integrated in the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Trade-offs) SDR (Sediment Delivery Ratio). Soil loss and sediment yield were calculated by the model and compared to observed data. The Rmel river basin was divided into 17 sub-watersheds using the dam axis as the main outlet. Results reveal that approximately 60% of the basin presents soil loss more than 5 ton/ha/year. Soil erosion map demonstrates that soil erosion risk increases with increased slope gradient, especially in agricultural lands. Sub-catchment prioritizations have been fixed based on soil erosion risk. Results show that sub-catchment 16 presents the highest soil loss with a value of 65 ton/ha/year. Sub-catchment presenting high soil erosion risk needs to give a high priority in conservation planning.

Applicability of Stream Order Data for Morphometric Analysis and Sub-watershed Prioritization

Sub-Watershed management and planning is integration of both technical and social aspects. Physical assessment of sub-watershed includes among many other bio-physical parameters, the morphometric analysis. The current study examines the applicability of existing stream order digital data for morphometric analysis and sub-watershed prioritization of Kailash Khola watershed. The study is based on secondary data and desk study and uses GIS data produced by Survey Department of Nepal and GIS tool for the analysis. Three linear and three aerial/shape parameters are taken for the morphometric analysis and simple ranking method based on calculated value is applied for sub-watershed prioritization. Technological tools like GIS and Remote Sensing has aided for spatial analysis using morphometric method. The study show that variation is found in vulnerability of sub-watershed in terms of linear and aerial morphometric parameters. The finding show that western part of the watershed is relatively vulnerable in terms of potential soil erosion and flooding. The study concludes that the importance of readily available stream order digital data and GIS tool and technology in identifying and analyzing priority subwatershed is reasonable. However, it is realized that spatial data at more finer spatial scale will improve the analysis and provide better analysis result and exemplify local problems in the area of topographical variation. The study suggest that, introduction of stream order data set finer scale or will allow analysis to be performed at much greater so that more localized effect of drainage morphometry in varying topographical landscape of the country could be assessed.

Morphometric Parameters-Based Prioritization of Sub-watersheds Using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process: A Case Study of Lower Barpani Watershed, India

Watershed prioritization based on erosion risk assessment using morphometric parameters can play an important role in sustainable development of natural resources. Hence, watershed prioritization through an efficient technique is prerequisite for the implementation of conservation measures. The present study makes an attempt to identify the critical sub-watersheds for prioritization in the lower Barpani watershed, India, by using morphometric parameters and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). Morphometric parameters were characterized through the measurement of linear, areal and relief aspects in six sub-watersheds. These parameters helped in analyzing the hydrological and topographical characteristics of the sub-watersheds. Rank of each sub-watershed was assigned by multiplying morphometric parameters values with weights obtained through FAHP. Based on FAHP scores, the sub-watersheds were divided into three prioritization levels: high, moderate and low. The results revealed three sub-watersheds (SW2, SW4 and SW5) for high priority, one sub-watershed (SW6) for moderate priority and two sub-watersheds (SW1 and SW3) for low priority. The FAHP through extent analysis helped to calculate and assign weights to morphometric parameters and proved to be an effective method for watershed prioritization.

Prioritization of sub watersheds based on erosion hazard parameter's analysis using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Prioritization of sub watersheds based on erosion hazard parameter's analysis using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Block Level Micro Watershed Prioritization Based on Morphometric and Runoff Parameters

Water is one of the most and essential natural resource in the globe, without which our life cannot exist. The demand of water is increasing with the increase of population day by day. We need water for regular activities, drinking, industry, agriculture, human and cattle consumption. Therefore, it is very important to manage with this resource as a sustainable manner. However, we need proper development and management planning to restore or recharge water where highly runoff exists due to various topographical conditions. In this paper we concern the block based micro watershed study with the help of morphometric and Runoff estimation method. Remote sensing and GIS tools very significant for prioritization of micro watershed studies. NRSC Runoff Curve Number method is a quantitative descriptor of the land use and land cover, soil characteristics of watershed and its computed, runoff through an empirical relation that requires the rainfall and watershed co-efficient namely runoff curve number. These Curve Number approach to runoff volume is typically thought of as a method for generating the storm runoff. Where we also applied the common morphometric analysis method which has been commonly applied to the prioritization of watersheds and sub watersheds. Hence we applied the morphometric parameters where linear and aerial shape have been determined for each micro watershed and assigned rank on the basis of value or relationship with erodibility so as to arrive at a compound value for final ranking of the sub-watersheds. The runoff and morphometric parameters were obtained with the help of Remote Sensing and GIS tools. Based on output results of both parameters the final results revealed of micro watershed priorities are shown into five categorizes very high, high, medium, low and very low priority.

Watershed prioritization in order to implement soil and water conservation practices

The purpose of this study is to identify erosion-prone in the sub-watersheds of Haraz based on water and soil conservation projects using multi-criteria evaluation method and RS and GIS techniques. In this research, 16 sub-criteria data layers included rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, land cover, land use, leaf area index, rainfall interception, soil infiltration, slope length, slope gradient, elevation, aspect, bifurcation ratio, basin circularity, length of overland flow, drainage density, drainage texture and form factor were prepared as raster layers. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was provisioned to predict soil loss (ton ha−1 year−1) using six factors. Then, sub-criteria were rated based on the soil loss amount of RUSLE map by cutting of sub-criteria maps on RUSLE map, and also original criteria (topography, morphometric, soil, vegetation cover and climate) was weighted by AHP method. The final map was prepared from the multiplication of the weight by rate and in combination with layers in ArcGIS software by the overlay index method. The results showed soil erosion risk index varies from 2.37 to 3.89 in the basin area, and average and standard deviation are 3.06 and 0.28, respectively. Finally, prioritization of sub-watersheds was done based on average weighted of 13 sub-watershed to water and soil conservation practices and was classified into three priority high, medium and low classes. Five sub-watersheds SW1, SW5, SW8, SW11 and SW3 with total area of 30.52 % had low priority, six sub-watersheds SW4, SW6, SW12, SW13, SW9 and SW7 with total area of 62 % had medium priority, and two sub-watersheds WS2 and WS10 with total area of 7.48 % had high priority. The sub-watersheds under high erosion risk require immediate plans for soil and water conservation practices.

Sub-watershed prioritization based on sediment yield using game theory

The proper placement of soil and water conservation measures cannot be designated due to lack of appropriate technical prioritization of different areas of a watershed. Therefore, quantifying soil erosion hazard and spatial prioritization of sub-watersheds would aid in better watershed management planning. Although, many approaches have been applied to prioritize sub-watersheds, but still the efficient techniques like game theory have not been practically applied to prioritize sub-watersheds. The present study therefore has used the game theory to prioritize sub-watersheds in Gorganroud and Qareh Sou watersheds in Golestan Province, northern Iran. Towards this goal, 38 independent factors were classified in seven components using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method with one representative variable in each component. The Condorcet method used for prioritization of effective variables indicated that the percent of forestry lands (52 scores) and discharge with 10 years of return period (32 scores) were respectively the most and the least effective variables on sediment yield. The Fallback bargaining and the Borda Scoring algorithms were also selected to prioritize study sub-watersheds based on weighted grades of total score for each variable. Accordingly, the aforesaid algorithms classified sub-watersheds in three categories. Comparison of results similarly introduced Galikesh, Qazaqli, Gonbad, Siyah Ab and Tamar as first ranked sub-watersheds with the worth condition, Tangrah and Naharkhoran as second priority and eventually Pole Ordougah as sub-watershed with the lowest priority.

Prioritization of sub-watersheds for conservation measures in a semi arid watershed using remote sensing and GIS

Land and water resources development plans are generally adopted at watershed level. Delineation of watersheds and their prioritization within large river basins requires host of terrain parameters to be studied and analysed. Chopan watershed in Central India has been studied for sub-watershed delineation and prioritization based on drainage morphometry, land use/land cover and sediment yield index analysis using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The watershed was demarcated into five sub-watersheds on the basis of drainage flow directions, contour value, slope, elevation. Geocoded satellite data of 1989 and 2001 on 1:50 000 scale were visually interpreted to prepare land use/land cover and drainage maps which were later digitized using Arcview/ArcGIS. Linear and shape aspects of the sub-watersheds were computed and used for prioritization. The results show widespread variation in drainage characteristics, land cover changes and sediment yield rates across sub-watersheds. On the basis of morphometric, land use/land cover change and sediment yield index, sub-watersheds were grouped into low, medium and high priority. A correlation of results show that SW1 and SW5 are common sub-watersheds falling under high and low priority based on morphometric, land use change analysis and SYI. The priority list of sub-watersheds will be crucial for decision making and implementation of land and water resource conservation projects.

Soil loss estimation and prioritization of sub-watersheds of Kali River basin, Karnataka, India, using RUSLE and GIS.

Most of the mountainous regions in tropical humid climatic zone experience severe soil loss due to natural factors. In the absence of measured data, modeling techniques play a crucial role for quantitative estimation of soil loss in such regions. The objective of this research work is to estimate soil loss and prioritize the sub-watersheds of Kali River basin using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. Various thematic layers of RUSLE factors such as rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), topographic factor (LS), crop management factor (C), and support practice factor (P) have been prepared by using multiple spatial and non-spatial data sets. These layers are integrated in geographic information system (GIS) environment and estimated the soil loss. The results show that ∼42% of the study area falls under low erosion risk and only 6.97% area suffer from very high erosion risk. Based on the rate of soil loss, 165 sub-watersheds have been prioritized into four categories-very high, high, moderate, and low erosion risk. Anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, construction of dams, and rapid urbanization are the main reasons for high rate of soil loss in the study area. The soil erosion rate and prioritization maps help in implementation of a proper watershed management plan for the river basin.

Identification and prioritization of subwatersheds for land and water management in Tekeze dam watershed, Northern Ethiopia

Sedimentation and/or soil erosion are huge problems that have threatened many reservoirs in the Northern Ethiopian highlands, particularly in the Tekeze dam watershed. This study has been conducted to identify and prioritize the most sensitive subwatersheds with the help of a semi-distributed watershed model (SWAT 2009) for improved management of reservoir sedimentation mitigating strategies at the watershed level. SWAT 2009 was chosen for this study due to its ability to produce routed sediment yield and identify principal sediment source areas at the selected point of interest. Based on a digital elevation model (DEM) the catchment was divided in to 47 subwatersheds using the dam axis as the main outlet. By overlaying land use, soil and slope of the study area, the subwatersheds were further divided in to 690 hydrological response units (HRUs). Model calibration (for the period of January 1996 to December 2002) and validation (for the period of January 2003 to December 2006) were carried out for stream flow rate and sediment yield data observed at Emba madre gage station. The results of model performance evaluation statistics for both stream flow and sediment yield shows that the model has a high potential in estimation of stream flow and sediment yield. Tekeze dam watershed has mean annual stream flow of 137.74m3/s and annual sediment yield of 15.17t/ha/year. Out of the 47 subwatersheds, 13 subwatersheds (mostly located in the north eastern and north western part of the catchment) were prioritized. The maximum sediment outflow of these 13 subwatersheds, ranges from 18.49 to 32.57t/ha/year and are characterized dominantly by cultivated land, shrub land & bare land with average land slope ranging from 7.9 to15.2% and with the dominant soil type of Eutric cambisols. These results can help to formulate and implement effective, appropriate and sustainable watershed management which in turn can help in sustaining the reservoir storage capacity of the dam.

Prioritization of agricultural sub-watersheds in semi arid middle region of Gujarat using remote sensing and GIS

In this study, proven capability of remote sensing and GIS are used for watershed prioritization. 19 different sub-watersheds are prioritised through geomorphological analysis and suitable structures are proposed for soil and water conservation in a Limkheda agricultural watershed situated in semi arid middle region of Gujarat, India. Remote sensing images such as SRTM are used to delineate the watershed and to generate slope thematic maps, soil maps are applied to generate soil type, whereas LISS III remote sensing image is used for generating land use maps. Prioritization of sub-watersheds using geomorphological analysis is carried out by seven different linear and shape parameters. Then different sub-watersheds are prioritised by assigning ranks using compound parameter. After prioritization, land use, soil type and land slope categories of sub-watersheds are integrated to propose suitable soil and water conservation structures. In this study, it is proposed that soil conservation measures should be adopted as per the priority assigned to reduce the adverse effect on the land and environment. Overall, it is concluded in this study that delineation of watersheds into sub-watersheds and prioritization of these sub-watersheds are very relevant, helpful and important in semi-arid regions of middle Gujarat, where there is high diversity in agricultural practices and size of land holdings. Adaptation of soil conservation measures priority-wise will not only reduce the soil erosion but also increase the water availability in the surface and as groundwater and will further reduces the possibility of droughts as well as floods and finally environmental hazards.

Prioritization of Sub Watershed Based on Morphometric Characteristics Using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process and Geographical Information System – A Study of Kallar Watershed, Tamil Nadu

Watershed prioritization has gained importance in natural resources management, especially in the context of watershed management. Delineation of watersheds within a large drainage basin and their prioritization is required for proper planning and management of natural resources for sustainable development. Delineation of potential zones for implementation of conservation measures above the entire watershed at similar occurrence is inaccessible as well as uneconomical; therefore it is a prerequisite to apply viable technique for prioritization of sub watersheds (SW). The present research attempted to study various morphological characteristics and to implement Geographical Information System (GIS) and Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) through Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) techniques for identification of critical sub watersheds situated in transaction zone between mountainous and water scarcity region of kallar watershed, Tamil Nadu. The morphometric characterization was obtained through the measurement of three distinct linear, areal and relief aspects over the eleven sub-watersheds. The morphometric characterization showed vital role in distinguishing the topographical and hydrological behavior of the watershed. Each morphometric parameters were ranked with respect to the value and weightings obtained by deriving the relationships between the morphometric parameters obtained through classification of the SW by associating the strength of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Processes (FAHP). Based on FAHP approach, sub watersheds were evaluated and divided into five prioritization zones: very less, less, medium, high and very high classes. The FAHP techniques is a practical approach for identification of the sensitive priority zones and is useful for better management practices such as implementation of land and water resource management, conservation and sustainable agricultural development.

Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for Watershed Prioritization

River/stream's catchment area, which is the source of endowment for water resource projects, is generally developed without giving much emphasis on protection against soil's erosion from catchment that results into loss of beneficial storage, breach of banks, loss of nutrients and many other environmental problems. The prioritization of sub-watersheds, which are atmost important in developing catchment area treatment (CAT) plan identification of priority sub-watersheds is utmost important in developing any catchment area treatment plan and watershed management activities can help take necessary precautionary measures a-priori. The paper presents the application of Saaty's AHP based Multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in prioritizing of vulnerable area of watershed. The analytical hierarchical process based MCDA is a powerful tool that analyzes problems which depend on a number of spatially distributed complex criteria. In the present case, the Saaty's AHP based MCDA tool has been applied to the Kodar reservoir catchment (in Chhattisgarh state in India) using nine erosion hazard parameters (EHPs), which vary spatially and depend on climate, topography, soil, geomorphology, conservation and management practices. For prioritizing the vulnerable areas, the Kodar catchment has been divided into 67 sub-watersheds and analyzed nine EHPs responsible for soil degradation and soil loss in GIS environment using revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model (SL), sediment yield (SY), sediment production rate (SPR), sediment transport index (STI), slope (Slp), drainage density (Dd), channel frequency (Cf), form factor (Rf), circulatory ratio (Rc). To prepare EHPs criteria maps, soil and remote sensing data, topographic information and field knowledge have been used. The normalized values of EHPs and the corresponding weights obtained from Saaty's AHP based MCDA tool have been used to prioritize the sub-watersheds. The results showed, soil loss (SL) occupied the maximum weight of 0.33 and the circulatory ratio had minimum weight of 0.02 at 9.3% consistency ratio (within 10% limit). The priorities of sub-watersheds in the Kodar catchment ranged between 0.12 and 0.74. The normalized priority of 0.74 and 0.12 obtained for SW-44 and SW-41 respectively can be considered as the top and minimum prioritized sub-watersheds for soil conservation measures. The analyzed results could help in developing an implementable CAT plan of the Kodar catchment. The paper also demonstrates a procedure of analyzing EHPs and use of those in MCDA for prioritizing soil erosion vulnerable zones/areas.