A case study has been conducted to identify suitable sites for watershed management structures in the semi-arid Kaledhon micro watershed of the Yerla river basin, India. Geospatial technology has emerged as a useful tool for the assessment, monitoring and management of resources. The objectives of the study are to study quantitative morphometric parameters, land use land cover (LULC) classification and to identify suitable sites for watershed management structures using ridge to valley approach. SOI Toposheets, Google Earth images, rainfall data, handheld GPS, ArcGIS software and technical watershed development guidelines of Soil Conservation and Agriculture Department, Government of Maharashtra are followed for identification of suitable sites for various watershed management structures. Based on the field observations, LULC analysis, morphometric analysis and interpretation of various maps identified suitable sites for loose boulder structures, contour trenches, farm ponds, check dams, percolation tanks using geospatial techniques. In Kaledhon micro watershed 36 structures are proposed due to which it is estimated about 56.3 TCM water would be available. It is found that proposed watershed management structures are useful for the sustainable development of the region.

Site Selection, Watershed management, Sustainable development, Geospatial Techniques, Kaledhon, India