Informatics Publishing Limited

G. S. Pujar ¹, T. Ravisankar ¹, K. M. Reddy ¹, Gupta ¹, Stutee ¹, M. A. Fyzee ¹, B. Shaymsunder ¹, P. V. Krishnarao ¹

Affiliations
1 Land Resources Group, National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO), Hyderabad, IN

Abstract

With the impetus placed on MGNREGA to make it natural resource management based process under the PMKSY umbrella, need to implement geospatial technologies is felt strongly across majority of stakeholders. Convergence possible by the use of geospatial tools and techniques is certainly of a higher degree than perceived till now, especially from the inception of the plan till implementation monitoring. Efforts of ISRO in this regard span various national initiatives addressing rural employment, roads, housing, agriculture infrastructure, watershed development and many more on respective geospatial modules through Bhuvan. At national level, a comprehensive online, open source GIS environment based planning system is envisaged involving spectrum of functionaries and beneficiaries using geotagged asset datasets, legacy information as well as high resolution image series. However,applying Bhuvan based planning tools for rural development to achieve NRM based solutions can be a challenge since concerned functionaries or participating stakeholders may exhibit genuine or feigned aversion for the solution. On the other hand, skill upgradation being witnessed often, by efforts of government institutions as well as self-learning due to the inherent strength of technology, will certainly present opportunities to harness and upscale. Experiences at national level in infusing technology paradigms related to internet connectivity, mobile telephony indicate situations of varied potential. Since remote sensing based visualisation provides higher scope in understanding, analysing and collaboration for realising good NRM plan than conventional trial and error approach, a discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities in this direction is presented. Higher spatial and temporal frequency of imaging coupled with easy to handle interface can certainly appeal to the imagination of the motivated citizens for building a state of the art village development planning and lasting rural development.

Keywords

Resource Management, Geospatial, Planning, Rural Community.

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Stutee Gupta ¹, Shikha Anand ¹, Vishesh Mathur ², K. M. Reddy ¹, T. Ravisankar ¹

Affiliations
1 Rural Development and Watershed Monitoring Division, Remote Sensing Application Area, National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 037, IN
2 Department of Petroleum Engineering and Earth Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Prem Nagar, Dehradun 248 001, IN

Abstract

Van Panchayats (VPs), i.e.forest-dependent communities in Uttarakhand, India and are the vital links between the villagers and the forests. However, the state has a consistent history of Forest Fires (FFs) that have an adverse impact on the people as well the environment. The present study was carried out to map the relationship between VPs and FFs using exploratory spatial data analysis and GIS in Almora district of Uttarakhand. Results obtained show varying degree of spatial relationship between VPs and FFs. The insights gained from the study may serve as crucial inputs for evidence-based decision making that may be helpful in bridging the gaps in the existing knowledge of forest management and designing a robust fire management policy framework for the state.

Keywords

Forest Fire, Forest-Dependent Communities, Hot Spots and Cold Spots,spatial Data Analysis.

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K. Sreenivas ¹, G. Sujatha ¹, Tarik Mitran ¹, K. G. Janaki Rama Suresh ¹, T. Ravisankar ², P. V. N. Rao ³

Affiliations
1 Soil and Land Resources Assessment Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, IN
2 Land Resources Use Mapping and Monitoring Group, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, IN
3 Remote Sensing Applications Area, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, IN

Abstract

Robust data on the spatial distribution of land degradation is important for resource conservation planning. Spatial land degradation status of India was mapped using multi-temporal Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS-III) data acquired from Resourcesat-1/2 during 2005–2006 and 2015–2016 under the Natural Resources Census programme of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Heads-up on-screen visual interpretation of multi-season satellite data was carried out, supported by digital elevation model and other historical maps available. Visual interpretation cues were developed and employed across various partner institutions to achieve consistency in mapping. The outputs were subjected to two-stage quality check. Results indicate that the total land degradation of India was 91.2 M ha (27.77% of the geographical extent of the country) during 2015–2016 against 91.3 M ha during 2005–2006. During the ten-year period, there was an overall decrease of around 0.1 M ha in degraded land. However, noticeable intra- and inter-class changes were observed in land degradation during the ten-year period. Major reclamation was noticed in sand dunes which were converted into crop lands by levelling them. Substantial decrease in severity and extent of salt-affected soils was noticed in Uttar Pradesh.

Keywords

Change detection, land degradation, visual interpretation, sand dunes, soil erosion, spatial distribution.

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K. Sreenivas ¹, G. Sujatha ¹, Tarik Mitran ¹, K. G. Janaki Rama Suresh ¹, T. Ravisankar ², P. V. N. Rao ³

Affiliations
1 Soil and Land Resources Assessment Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, IN
2 Land Resources Use Mapping and Monitoring Group, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, IN
3 Remote Sensing Applications Area, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

Keywords

No Keywords.

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