GIS-based spatial multi-criteria approach for characterization and sustainable development of the Wainganga River Basin, Central India

The present investigation highlights the importance of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and satellite images for assessment of drainage and extraction of their relative parameters for a water management plan with respect to their sustainability in the Wainganga River Basin (WRB). Some vital characteristics like topography, watershed, and hydrological parameters of the Wainganga River Basin (WRB) in Central India are evaluated using Remote Sensing (RS) data and geographic information system (GIS) applications. The WRB has a catchment area of 49949.68 km2 and a length of 638.91 km of the major stream. Under the umbrella of the topographical study of the Wainganga River Basin (WRB), the total mountain area is 10.56%, the plateau region acquires 33.92% and the plain region covers 55.51%. While, the area height break-up indicates that, the 2.77% of the area is above the altitude of 880 m, 28.51% of the area is the range between 480m - 281m, on the other hand, largest 46.61% of the area is below 280 m height. The Wainganga River flows with 26 tributaries out of them 14 are on left while 12 are on its right bank. The climate of the basin is characterized by hot summer from March to May followed by a rainy season from June to September. The post-monsoon season is also observed from the month of October. The annual mean rainfall ranges between1000 mm to 1400 mm. This study, along with geospatial technology will further help to better understand the circumstances of geographical features and their processes like soil erosion, drainage management, and potential soil conditions for effective planning and managing.