Applying Analytic Hierarchy Process for Identifying Best Management Practices in Erosion Risk Areas of Northwestern Himalayas

Despite the growing importance of soil and water conservation watershed development projects as an approach to rural natural resource management, there has been relatively little research on devising site-specific best management practice (BMP) check erosion losses within permissible limits, especially in hilly regions. For a sustainable programme implementation, site specific BMPs assume hold promise making planning simpler more effective. The study was attempted develop methodology obtain BMPs, aiming reduce risk areas northwestern Himalayas by employing Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). AHP technique employed prioritise potential technologies select BMP suitable for particular land area. prioritization performed with four criteria viz. resistance, cost, benefit, maintenance environment friendliness measures. scenario area located generated each selected measure SWAT model using DEM, use maps, map climate data Then, resultant measures compared used analysis. However, other were assessed based judgement group experts well farmers. In this study, measures, Bench Terraces (BT), Vegetative Barrier (VB), Contour Farming (CF) Zero Tillage + Live Mulch (ZL), considered selection. Three scenarios, experts’ judgement, farmers’ opinions combined expert farmer opinion, analyzed uncover different zones. result revealed that farmers unanimously preferred ZL because its low-cost implementation value lower requirement while significantly controlling level being friendly. BT second most technology recommended zones having high very severe (soil loss > 10 t/ha/yr). Therefore, low altitude, whereas slopes capability control slopping will act useful strategy decision makers prioritize recommend any region after considering criteria. Future work may consider inclusion thus realistic way.