Use of geographic information system for the vulnerability assessment of landscape in upper Satluj basin of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the upper river Satluj basin of district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India. The vulnerability assessment was done on the basis of selected parameters like slope, slope profile, slope aspects, relative relief, curvature, soil texture, lithology, river morphometric, precipitation, land use and land cover, mass movement, flood, geological elements, earthquake occurrences, and anthropogenic activity (hydroelectric projects). Here, a quantitative and qualitative approach was used to generate physical vulnerability assessment index and vulnerability-based maps. Vulnerability assessment of the landscape was done to highlight the risks and sensitivity of the region due to prevailing hazards and anthropogenic activities.

Keywords

• geographic information system
• vulnerability assessment index
• hazards and kinnaur