A GIS-based assessment of recent changes in drainage and morphometry of Betwa River basin and sub-basins, Central India

Morphometric characterization of the Betwa River basin (BRB) in Central India has been carried out to understand the spatial variations in morphometric parameters and evaluate hydrological, geological and topographical characteristics by analyzing SRTM DEM and topographical maps using geographic information system. Based on catchment characteristics and anthropogenic activities, the Betwa River basin and sub-basins were divided into three regions: (a) upstream, (b) midstream and (c) downstreams regions. The BRB comprised a dendritic drainage pattern where the maximum number of the stream was found in the first order. The mean bifurcation ratio (4.61) showed that the drainage pattern was not affected by structural disturbances. The drainage texture analysis showed the dominance of coarse texture, low runoff, low erosional potential, permeable subsurface material, high vegetation cover and low relief. The circularity ratio (0.13) showed an elongated shape of the basin. The > 74.5% of the study area had < 3 degrees slope indicates gentle terrain condition. These results could be utilized in developing watershed management, agricultural land-use planning, forestry management and planning of sustainable industrial facilities.