Morphometric analysis and watershed prioritization in relation to soil erosion in Dudhnai Watershed

Abstract Morphologic parameters of a watershed could help in segregating critical sub-watersheds for taking up conservation practices and mitigation interventions. Determination watersheds or prioritization is inevitable efficient sustainable management programs allocation its natural resources. The traditional methods determination morphologic are time consuming, expensive requires huge labor. However, the process becomes easier, cheaper faster with advent Geographical Information System (GIS) remote sensing technologies. In present study, combined approach using toposheet, remotely sensed digital elevation model morphometric ArcGIS toolbox has been adopted to determine Dudhnai river basin, sub-basin Brahmaputra which prone both erosion sedimentation. Seven have prioritized by ranked them according vulnerability soil erosion. results bifurcation ratio, drainage density, intensity constant channel maintenance showed that well-dissected less risk flooding significantly high values infiltration number ruggedness obtained indicative very low may result surface runoff study also revealed stronger than sheet basin. implied Chil sub-watershed most susceptible needs greater attention water measures. aid various stakeholders who involved development programs.