Proper knowledge of hydrological response of a watershed is of utmost importance in order to implement watershed development works in the watersheds. Morphometric analysis of a watershed thus helps in understanding the hydrological response of watersheds in hydrological data-scarce conditions. The present study attempts to perform the morphometric analysis of sub-watersheds inherent in Burhner river watershed situated in Mandla, Balaghat and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 17 subwatersheds were delineated in the study area using CARTOSAT DEM (Digital Elevation Model), having a spatial resolution of 30 m. Stream network of the study area was obtained using DEM in ArcGIS 9.3®. The findings of the study revealed that out of 17 sub-watersheds, three sub-watersheds were of 8th order, eight sub-watersheds were of 7th order and six sub-watersheds were of 6th order. The drainage pattern of the study area was found as dendritic to sub-dendritic, approaching like the branching of a tree. Linear, areal, shape and relief morphometric parameters were calculated using the standard formulas. High values of a linear morphometric parameter such as mean bifurcation ratio revealed geomorphological control over the entire watershed. In addition, higher values of areal morphometric parameters such as drainage density, stream frequency, texture ratio with lower values of length of overland flow and constant of channel maintenance suggested channel flow as dominating in the sub-watersheds with a higher risk of soil erosion in the sub-watersheds. Analysis of shape morphometric parameters (i.e. form factor, circularity ratio, elongation ratio, compactness coefficient and shape factor) and relief morphometric parameters (i.e. relief ratio, relative relief and ruggedness number) also revealed that sub-watersheds are more prone to soil erosion. The study aided in understanding the hydrological behaviour of subwatersheds of Burhner river watershed which can be further considered for sustainable management of natural resources in sub-watersheds.

Highlights

• Hydrological response of 17 sub-watersheds of Burhner river watershed was studied, indicating that sub-watersheds are more prone to soil erosion.