Microwatershed Level Conservation Strategies for Effective Land Management in Haheom Watershed, Kashmir Valley (J & K)

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to delineate the different land use/land cover categories in the Haheom watershed of the Kashmir valley. A total of 09 classes were delineated. Out of which dense forests were the major class with 32.43 {\%} area. It was followed by sparse forests with 17.40 {\%} and Apple orchards with 9.37 {\%} area respectively. It was observed that over the period of time, a considerable change in the land use/land cover had occurred. This change has been unplanned and unscientific in majority of the cases and has resulted in serious soil erosion problems necessitating immediate remedial measures. In order to initiate effective management strategies in the watershed, proper soil and water conservation measures need to be taken in accordance to the magnitude of the problem. This includes prioritization at the micro watershed level and subsequent conservation measures. The present watershed has been divided into seven micro watersheds. After calculating the Sediment Yield index (SYI), the micro watersheds have been ranked from one to seven. This ranking basically highlights the intensity of soil erosion problems in the watershed. In the micro watersheds, where the Sediment Yield Index was high, a combination of engineering and biological measures were recommended.