Geospatial technique for sub-watershed prioritization

Watershed priority and drainage network description are quantified by morphometric analysis. The present study was conducted for the Upper Godavari river basin, which is about 8,927.25km2 in size and is situated in Maharashtra, India. Sub-watersheds of Upper Godavari river basinwereprioritized using two different methods viz. LULC and Morphological analysis. The main challenges of geomorphological study include complexity of natural landscapes, data limitations and integration of multiple systems, technological constraints, interpretation subjectivity, and resource or funding issues. Geomorphological analysis has contributed significantly to understanding Earth’s surface processes, landform evolution, environmental management, and hazard assessment through advances in theory, technology, and application.
The seventh-order river basin was theUpper Godavari river basin sub-watersheds. Allsub-watershed in Upper Godavari river basin had an elongated to circular shape, according to all morphometric criteria, including the circularity ratio (0.24–0.43), elongation ratio (0.76-0.89) and form factor (0.46-0.79). Sub-watersheds SW1 and SW2 were classified as low priority, SW4 and SW5 as moderate priority, and SW3 as higher priority based on morphological studies. Sub-watersheds SW2 and SW5 were classified as low priority, SW3 and SW4 as moderate priority, and SW1 as higher priority based on the LULC study. According to the sub-watershed’s final prioritization, SW2 was categorized as low priority, SW4 and SW5 as moderate level, and SW1 and SW3 as higher priority. LULC changes were assessed for Upper Godavari river basin sub-watersheds in 2004 and 2019. The result revealed that watershed management will be required for increased agriculture and watershed management.