International Journal of Cultural Studies and Social Sciences Vol-20, Issue-2, No.01, July -December: 2024 :: ISSN: 2347-4777 (UGC CARE Journal) 166 CRITICAL REVIEW OF GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES FOR WATERSHED DELINEATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF BUGGAVANKA WATERSHED, KADAPA, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA Shaik Johnsaheb Research Scholar, Department of Earth sciences,Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh-516 005 Siva Prathap Thummalakunta Corresponding Author, Professor of Earth Sciences, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh-516 005 Palla Vijaya Kumar Research Scholar, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh- 522510 Abstract: There are five basic elements necessary for life: air, water, earth, fire, and sky. Water is one of the most essential. Neither the quality nor the amount of water is distributed uniformly around the world. Its accessibility is a key component of social and economic development and poverty alleviation.The vast hydrologic cycle involves the transformation of liquid water into gaseous vapor and solid ice. This water vapor is then transported to the atmosphere and returned as various forms of precipitation. In semi- arid tropical regions, watersheds are the fundamental unit for water resource planning, and sustainable development is the optimal approach for both. In semi-arid and dry areas, many seepages are ephemeral, sometimes holding flowing water after precipitation events but typically remaining dry. An example of a seasonal tributary is the Buggavanka stream, which flows into the Pennar River in southern India. In Telugu, "Bugga" means "spring" and "Vanka" means "stream."A watershed is a geohydrological unit where all runoff from its sources eventually exits the system through an outlet. Among the most interesting and traditional water sources within a watershed are springs, which serve both the local population and the surrounding wildlife. The Buggavanka stream serves as the confluence for all water in the Buggavanka watershed, including both runoff and spring water. This research aims to explore techniques for extending the lifespan and flow of the springs within the Buggavanka stream watershed located in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India. Geospatial technology has played a crucial role in managing the vast amount of geographic data by employing environmental, segment-based, and comprehensive review techniques. The field trips and review process focused on conducting a thorough geohydrological investigation, carried out in a participatory manner to restore the stream's beauty as expressed by the residents of the Buggavanka watershed. Key Words: Geospatial Technology, Watershed Management, Buggavanka, Springs, Geohydrology. I. Introduction Effective watershed management is a complex process that requires a mix of approaches and tools, applied across the board to maintain sustainable resource use while safeguarding the environment. The development of geospatial technologies over the past several decades has transformed the practice of watershed management, and is proving to be an invaluable tool for delineating, characterizing, and modeling these highly heterogeneous systems. The purpose of this review is to critically examine the realm of geospatial techniques from technical viewpoints, application-wise contribution made until date in watershed management; emphasizing Indian region in general, and Buggavanka watershed in particular. The motivation behind this study lies in the imperative to counteract the challenges arising from the exponentially growing water resources demand supported by the rapidly growing pressures of climate variations and anthropogenic impacts on vulnerable ecosystems. Through geospatial methods, stakeholders can better understand these watershed dynamics for more informed decision- making and management. Based on a critical literature analysis, a review of the state-of-the art is developed to fulfill the needs of researchers; these have the complex aim to compare the list of types of geospatial techniques in use in the science of watershed delineation in the classification and assessment of drainage basins supported by worldwide case studies in Buggavanka watershed.