6. INDIAN EXPERIENCE 
Having realised the importance of integrated 
approach for sustainable development, the 
Department of Space, Government of India in 
collaboration with the State Governments had 
initiated pilot studies in 21 districts covering 
203,000 sq. km. and representing diverse terrain, 
agro-climatic conditions and social and cultural 
practices apart from very often affected by drought, 
in the year 1987 to find scientific and lasting 
solution to mitigate drought following the 
unprecedented drought in many parts of the country 
during the period 1985-87. Based on encouraging 
results of the pilot projects, such study was 
extended to another 153 districts covering 549,496 
sq. km. spread over in 25 states at the instance of 
Planning Commission, Govt. of India - the highest 
policy decision making body, under a national 
project titled "Integrated Mission for Sustainable 
Development (IMSD)". A conceptual framework of 
IMSD is given in Fig. 1. For ease of implementation 
of the action plan in phased manner in these 
selected districts, initially it was decided to identify 
a priority block in each district for the study. (A 
block is an administrative unit covering an area 
ranging from 1000-1500 sq. Km.). Subsequently, 80 
blocks spread over in 80 districts covering 85,339 
sq. km. have been selected on a priority basis for 
taking up such study. 
6.1 Data base 
For generating information on land and water 
resources, the Linear Imaging Self-scanning (LISS- 
Il) data from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS- 
1A/1B) in the form of False Colour Composite 
(FCC) prints at 1:50,000 scale and digital data 
(Computer Compatible Tapes) have been used in 
conjunction with ancillary information, namely 
published reports, thematic maps, etc. and 
adequate field check. Information on slope has 
been derived from 1:50,000 scale Survey of India 
topographical sheets. For appreciation of ciimate of 
the area, meteorological data available with the 
India Meteorological Departmentrespective district 
or taluk (an administrative unit) headquarters have 
been made use of. Besides, information on 
demographic and socio-economic conditions has 
been taken from the published records by the 
concerned departments. 
6.2 Approach 
The holistic approach essentially involves 
generation of thematic maps on land and water 
resources and their integration with the socio- 
economic data to arrive at  locale-specific 
prescription for land and water resources 
development. Various steps involved are described 
hereunder : 
6.2.1 Generation of Thematic Maps 
Thematic maps on hydrogeomorphological 
condition, soil resources and present land use/land 
cover have been generated through systematic 
visual interpretation and/digital analysis of IRS-IA/B 
LISS-II multispectral data (with 362/5m resolution) 
in conjunction with the collateral information 
supported by adequate ground truth. The 
information derived on lithology of the area and 
geomorphic features therein was used to infer 
ground water potential of each lithological unit 
based on geomorphic features and recharge 
conditions. Soil resources map of the area have 
been prepared by delineating sub-divisions within 
each geo-morphic units based on erosion status, 
land use/land cover and image elements, namely 
colour, texture, shape, pattern, association, etc. 
Soil composition of each geomorphic unit was 
defined by studying typical soil profiles in the field 
and classifying them upto series level according to 
Soil Taxonomy (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1994) based on morphological characteristics and 
chemical analyses data. In addition, derivative 
maps, namely land capability and land irrigability 
maps were generated based on information on soils 
and terrain conditions based on criteria laid down 
by All India Soil and Land Use Survey Organisation. 
Besides, land use/land cover maps have been 
prepared using monsoon (kharif) and winter (rabi) 
crop growing seasons and summer period satellite 
data, and single-cropped and double-cropped 
areas apart from other land use/land cover 
categories have been delineated. Furthermore, 
micro watersheds and waterbodies have been 
delineated and the drainage network have also 
been mapped. 
Slope maps showing various slope categories have 
been prepared based on contour information 
available at 1:50,000 scale topographical sheets. 
Road network and the location and extent of 
settlements have also been taken from 
topographical sheets. Rainfall, demographic and 
socio-economic data were analysed to generate 
information on population density, tribal population, 
literacy status, economic backwardness and the 
availability of basic amenities. 
6.2.2 Generation of Action Plan 
The generation of action plan essentially involves 
careful study of thematic maps on land and water 
resources both individually as well as in 
combination to identify various land and water 
160 International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXII, Part 7, Budapest, 1998 
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