A Geospatial Approach for the Development of Sustainable Watershed Management

Geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing were used to identify potential recharge areas, and an integrated village map was used for the Velchal watershed. Village maps (integrated maps) were created using these methods after evaluating geology, hydrogeology, crops, geophysical data, revenue information as attribute data, and various thematic layers to determine where recharge was possible and where it was just not. Using Arc GIS, satellite imagery maps were compiled with village maps to obtain a high-resolution (5.8 m of PAN) color map (using the R, G, and B bands of the LISS-III). Visual interpretation techniques are used to draw a boundary around the prospective region in the fused data based on the coordinates. Low potential areas in the Velchal watershed have been highlighted on an integrated village map that also includes an analysis of land/water resources and existing structures and facilitates. The findings of this research will be invaluable to policymakers and community members working to protect watersheds and preserve natural resources.