Comprehensive Morphometric Characterization of the Mahi Upper Basin Using Remote Sensing and GIS

The Mahi Upper Basin, encompassing parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, faces acute hydrological challenges due to climatic variability, groundwater overexploitation, and topographical complexity. This study presents a comprehensive morphometric analysis of the basin using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to delineate watersheds, assess drainage patterns, and evaluate geo morphological parameters critical for water resource planning. Forty-one sub-basins (SB1– SB41) were analyzed for linear, areal, and relief morphometric attributes, including stream order, drainage density, bifurcation ratio, form factor, and ruggedness number. Results reveal considerable spatial variability: sub-basins such as SB4, SB10, and SB15 exhibit steep relief and high erosion potential, whereas SB1 and SB2 demonstrate favourable conditions for groundwater recharge. The predominance of dendritic drainage and elongated basin shapes suggests a youthful geomorphic stage and heightened flash flood risk. These findings underscore the basin’s heterogeneous hydrological behaviour and highlight the utility of morphometric analysis for prioritizing watershed interventions. The study advocates for integrating morphometric insights with land-use planning to foster sustainable water management in semi-arid regions.