GIS Technique in Management of Watershed Developed along the Konkan Coast, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Coastal watersheds differ from inland by their unique features including proximity to the ocean, weather and rainfall patterns, drainage system, subsurface aquifer conditions and geomorphological units. Land use changes and competing needs for water resources are especially more distinctive to such watersheds. This difference leads to put forward the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and is deemed to provide an operational tool for future researchers, developers and policy makers. Some important attributes necessary for watershed management in terms of land capability zonation include drainage, altitude, geology and slopes. The paper incorporates results of representative watershed namely Shringar Tali watershed. GIS technique was used to generate layers like drainage and springs, geology, contour, slopes and Digital Elevation Model (DEM), essential for watershed management. On the basis of interpretation of layers and superimposed picture obtained, Land Capability Zonation Map (LCZM) was prepared. The scope for spring sanctuary development, agro-forestry and aquaculture development is discussed in the paper.