"International Journal of Geography, Geology and Environment"

This study evaluates the geo-ecological richness of the Kalsa River Basin, located in the Lesser Himalayas and known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. An assessment of geo-ecological richness in the Kalsa River basin in the Himalayas is a comprehensive study that takes into account various attributes related to the watershed's topography, geomorphology, geology, vegetation, and land use. The purpose of this assessment is to understand and quantify the ecological wealth and diversity within the specified geographical area. The study uses remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) along with a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) method called the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to look at different aspects of the environment. The study finds four different geo-ecological richness zones. The "Very High Richness" zone covers 19.34% of the basin and has a lot of different types of plants and animals; the "High Richness" area has a lot of resources, mostly forests; the "Moderate Richness" region has a mix of resources and problems, like landslides; and the "Low Richness" region covers 18.34% of the basin and has few resources that are mostly used for farming. Integrating AHP and GIS provides a comprehensive assessment, highlighting areas with significant biodiversity and potential for resource development. These findings offer valuable insights for targeted conservation and sustainable land management practices in the Kalsa River basin.