Integrated Approach to Study Spatial Variations in Water Resources: A Case Study of Chandraprabha Basin

Abstract

An integrated approach in mapping and analysis of availability, utilization and conservation
of water resources is urgently needed to fulfill the increasing demand of water for irrigation,
human and livestock consumption, industries, hydro electric power generation, recreation
and other consumptive uses. The approach comprehends the use of modern techniques of
Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) as well as traditional
techniques and data sources for getting reliable and desired results. Revolution in the digital
world has opened a new arena of mind-set in the field of geospatial mapping and analysis. As
a result, the RS and GIS have provided very powerful data base and techniques of analysis
for solving complex problems of resources inventory, hydrogeomorphic features, geomorphic
hazards, environmental problems, geo-environmental management etc. Present paper attempts
to assess the spatial variation in water resources using integrated approach taking into
account a case study of Chandraprabha Basin which accounts a major portion of Karmanasha
Basin (Eastern Uttar Pradesh). The interpretation of Remote Sensing (RS) data in conjunction
with ancillary data and sufficient ground truth information makes it possible to identify and
outline the presence of various surface and sub surface water resources. The study is largely
based on the integrated use of data and techniques like RS and GIS along with the supportive
information gathered from different sources.