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The Feasibility of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach for Prioritization of Sensitive Area at Risk of Water Erosion

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Abstract

Morphometric analysis is not only important for a hydrological analysis, but also necessary in the management and development of a basin. In this study, we attempted to prioritize twenty sub-watersheds of Bamhani watershed considering the linear, aerial and relief aspects of the watershed that will be further used in the multi-criterion decision making (MCDM) analysis. ELECTRE, Vlsekriterijumskaoptimizacija I kompromisno resenje (VIKOR), and aggregate method. Remote sensing and GIS approach were employed in the morphometric analysis. Percentage of changes and intensity of change indices were used in the MCDM model validation. Based on the range of Borda/Copland model values, the sub-watershed 11 took place at the first rank, while the Compound Factor (CF) model placed in the second rank, implying to be the most susceptible sub-watersheds for erosion. Vulnerability of sub-watersheds to soil loss (erosion), the VIKOR models showed four vulnerability classifications as very high, high, moderate and low. In conclusion, our results of the morphometric studies appeared to be effective in estimating the erosion status and prioritization of the watershed concerned for the purpose of easy and early development and management of natural resources. A high reductive accuracy was observed by VIKOR in comparison to CF and ELECTRE models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Sarita Gajbhiye Meshram

  2. Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Sarita Gajbhiye Meshram

  3. Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M, University, College Station, TX, 77843-2117, USA

    Vijay P. Singh

  4. Zachry Department of Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2117, USA

    Vijay P. Singh

  5. Civil Engineering Department, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), 34469, İstanbul, Türkiye

    Ercan Kahya

  6. Department of Watershed Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

    Ehsan Alvandi

  7. Department of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Mathematics, Jayawanti Haksar, Government Post Graduation College, College of Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Betul, M.P., India

    Chandrashekhar Meshram

  8. Department of Soil & Water Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Jabalpur, Jabalpur, India

    Shailesh Kumar Sharma

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  1. Sarita Gajbhiye Meshram
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Meshram, S.G., Singh, V.P., Kahya, E. et al. The Feasibility of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach for Prioritization of Sensitive Area at Risk of Water Erosion. Water Resour Manage 34, 4665–4685 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-020-02681-7

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