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Pant, Daya Nand 
Sampling Design 
Stratified random sampling technique, the technique which is most recommended for acquiring ground cover/land use 
information, was applied. Based on the variability among the cover types, 100 samples were determined and distributed 
proportionately within each change as well as unchange category on the photocopy of change map. Further distribution 
with respect to the location of each sample plot on each mapping unit was made randomly. The random location of each 
sample plot was determined on 1:50,000-scale map containing the change mapping units. 
Preparation of Questionnaires 
A form showing the basic information linked with the forest vegetation and landuse changes and their impact was prepared. 
A checklist for site specific interview was prepared as a part of semi-structured interview conducted in rapid rural appraisal 
techniques. The questions were given consideration of optimal ignorance and of analytical diversity, the main 
characteristics of Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) techniques. 
Field data Collection and Analysis 
The site-specific interviews were conducted at each of the randomly selected sample points within the change strata. Site 
specific means that the interviews were not conducted in the homestead, but in the change areas, so that cross checks could 
be carried out. The size of the selected samples varied from place to place depending upon the terrain condition and clear 
visibility. Generally it varied from 400 m? to 10,000 m? It was tried to explore and diagnose the most important ecological 
and landuse problems along with the potentials by establishing the RRA characteristics of Iteractive, Innovative, 
Interactive, and Informal communication in the field. Field data of 100 samples were entered in a Spreadsheet and 
sorted in accordance to change categories and other criteria. 
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
CHANGE DETECTION 
Forest Vegetation and Landuse Change Dynamics 
The Forest vegetation and landuse change map (Fig. 1) reflects the conversion of one forest vegetation and landuse class 
into another during the period 1960 and 1985. The analysis (Table 1) shows that Oak forest has been subjected to 
maximum change through reduction in density after heavy biotic influence. The extreme of this degradation reaches the 
stage of scrub/shrubby vegetation (Table 2). The percentage of this degradation is estimated as highest. The habitation has 
mostly been expanded in Oak forests. The Oak forest has also been converted into agriculture to an extent greater than other 
forest types. Almost all encroachments were observed amidst or at the fringe of Oak forests. Mining activities are mostly 
being carried out amidst degraded and scrub/shrub forest and have caused negative impact on the surrounding areas. 
Classification of Forest Vegetation and Landuse Change Types 
The reclassified change dynamics map containing 4 change and 1 un-change categories (Fig. 2) and their analysis (Table 3) 
show that the maximum area viz., 46 Km? or 72 96 of total area falls under No Change category followed by forest 
degradation as 16 % of the total area. Ground observations revealed that under the No change category, certain floristic and 
structural changes which were well identified on the ground, have not been detected through remote sensing due to their 
small extent or poor spatial and spectral resolution Forest degradation includes the conversion of all high density (740% 
in the present study) forests into degraded/under stocked forests and conversion of degraded forests into scrub/shrub. 
Conversion of forests /scrub/shrub into agriculture includes the conversion of all types of natural vegetation cover into 
agriculture irrespective of its density of cover. Expansion of settlements and other economic activities include the 
conversion of any kind of landuse /land cover types into settlements /construction, mining/quarrying, orchards generating 
the source of income. New plantations, regeneration, succession, abandoned agricultural fields are considered the positive 
changes in the natural eco-system and are thus categorised separately. 
  
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000. 1113 
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