Sub-watershed prioritization using remote sensing and geographic information system : a case study of Kulekhani Watershed, Nepal | |
| Author | Kharel, Bhawani Prasad |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.SR-99-6 |
| Subject(s) | Watershed management--Nepal Kulekhani Watershed (Nepal) Geographic information system |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | All big and small watersheds in Nepal suffer a certain degree of degradation requiring attention, however, socioeconomic and technical settings do not allow managing them simultaneously. Sub~watershed prioritization, a decision tool, guides efficient allocation of scarce resources in minimizing advancement of degradation. The study conducted in Kulekhani watershed, Makawanpur district, central midhills, south west of Kathmandu; aimed at developing a methodology for sub-watershed prioritization. Five factors, soil loss, calorie balance, fuel wood balance, fodder balance and accessibility, were considered in prioritizing six sub-watersheds. Maps, aerial photographs, satellite data, ancillary data, field measured data (analyzed in laboratory) provided necessary information. GIS capabilities were extensively used to analyze the data and display the output. Soil loss was estimated using the USLE. The balances of calorie, fuel wood and fodder were estimated comparing the respective carrying capacities and loads. Accessibility was estimated calculating the average time, required to reach the nearest road head from the villages within a sub-watershed. The Nepalese professionals were interviewed to. establish relative factor importance. An unranked pair wise comparison technique was applied to calculate FIC and ACC. The product matrix of FIC and ACC was developed to estimate the sub-watershed priority ranks. An average of nearly 33t/ha/yr of soil was estimated being lost from Kulekhani watershed area. This rate is much higher than the upper limit (20 t/ha/yr.) of tolerable soil loss. Except sub-watershed 4 and 5, where estimated soil loss was around the upper range of tolerable limit, remaining sub-watersheds were found loosing it to an unac.; ptable level. Sub-watershed 4 and 3 marginally maintained the calorie balance, rest of them had it negative. Potential degradation indicated by negative fuel wood balance in all subwatersheds except SWS 1, which maintained a marginal balance. The fodder situation is generally satisfactory having positive balance. Except SWS 6, others were found reasonably accessible. Integrating all five factors SWS 3 and SWS 4 were ranked first and last priority sub-watershed. This study successfully developed sub-watershed prioritization methodology; improvements in factor estimation will enhance accuracy of the results. |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Space Technology Application and Research (SR) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kaew Nualchawee; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Samarakoon, Lal ;Apisit Eiumnoh ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | DANIDA ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |