Prioritization of Sub-Watersheds Using Morphometric Characteristics of Vashishti River Basin, Western Ghats, India

Abstract

Watershed prioritization is an essential approach for sustainable soil and water conservation, especially in regions vulnerable to high runoff and erosion. This study analyzes the Vashishti River Basin, Western Ghats, India, which comprises seven sub-watersheds (SW1–SW7). Morphometric parameters were derived from SRTM-DEM using GIS techniques, with emphasis on linear, areal, and shape characteristics. Four key parameters—drainage density, stream frequency, form factor, and elongation ratio—were selected for prioritization due to their hydrological significance and ability to indicate erosion susceptibility. The sub-watersheds were ranked using a compound factor (CF) approach. Results reveal that SW5, SW6, and SW4 exhibit higher vulnerability and thus demand immediate conservation planning, while SW2 is the least susceptible. The findings highlight that integrating morphometric analysis with GIS provides a practical framework for prioritizing watersheds, enabling targeted management and resource planning in the Western Ghats.