A synergistic approach towards sustainable land resources development in the catchment of Upper Tunga project, Karnataka-using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Natural resources are the wealth of any region and its proper utilisation is utmost concern for future management and developmental activities. Considering the present day problems of watershed, an attempt has been made to prepare implementable land resource development plan for the catchment of Upper Tunga Project (UTP) in Karnataka. The study area lies between longitude 75° 25’ 24.386” E -75° 36’ 49. 296”E, and latitude 13° 51’ 16. 145”N-13° 44’19.085” N with an aerial extent of 1041.89 Sq Km. The thematic maps like LU/LC, Geomorphology, Slope and Lineaments were prepared using SOI Toposheets D43P5, D43P6, D43P7, D43P9 and D43P10 and updated using IRS P6 LISS III (23.5 m) data of year 2009(Path/Row: 98/64). The drainage morphometric parameters were extracted by ASTER DEM (30m) using ArcHydro tools with in ArcGIS environment. From the analysis, out of 23 sub watersheds, Bailubadige, Heddur, Kakanahosudi, Muthinakoppa are high prone to erosion and Bailubadige, Hedduru, Kakanahosudi, Muttinakoppa, Sarigere are medium prone to erosion. Quantitative hypsometric analysis, shows concave shape of the curve, which represents the old stage of the catchment with Hypsometric Integral 0.50, indicates the significant fluvial and slope wash processes of landforms. Thus from the study, we realised optimal and sustainable development of resource is required to avoid any future problems. In this regard, site suitable soil conservation practice like Boulder check, Rubble check, Vegetative check, Contour bunds, Agro forestry, Afforestation, Social forestry, Silvipasture and Contour farming has been recommended according to Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) guidelines by using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.