Rao, D.P.
of planning(Trotter,1991; Smith and Blackwell,1980; Welsh et al.,1992; Hellden et
| al., 1982).
W
in | 8.0 INDIAN EXPERIENCE
3S
xd Having realised the importance of integrated approach ‘ for sustainable
n, development, the Department of Space, Government of India in collaboration
e. with the State Governments had initiated pilot studies in 21 districts covering
to 203,000 sq. km. and representing diverse terrain, agro-climatic conditions and
Yid social and cultural practices apart from very often affected by drought, in the
th 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
n another 153 districts covering 549,496 sq. km. spread over in 25 states at the
al instance of Planning Commission, Govt. of India - the highest policy decision
al | making body, under a national project titled "Integrated Mission for Sustainable
on 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
an study. (A block is an administrative unit covering an area ranging from 1000-
d- 1500 sq. Km.). Subsequently, 80 blocks spread over in 80 districts and covering
d 85,339 sq. km. have been selected on a priority basis for taking up such study.
19
Jy 8.1 DATABASE
of
n, For generating information on land and water resources, the Linear Imaging Self-
O scanning (LISS-IT) 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 in
| the form of Computer Compatible Tape (CCT) were used in conjunction with
ic | the ancillary information, namely published reports, thematic maps, etc. and
or adequate field check. Information on slope has been derived from 1:50,000
al. scale Survey of India topographical maps. For appreciation of climate of the
C area, meteorological data available with the India Meteorological
on | Department/respective district or taluk (an administrative unit) headquarters
in were made use of. Besides, information on demographic and socio-economic
1e conditions were taken from the published records by the concerned
ce departments.
al
al 8.2 APPROACH
nt
19 A holistic approach involving generation of thematic maps on land and water
ad | resources and their integration with the socio-economic and other ancillary
al | information was employed to arrive at locale-specific prescription for sustainable
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000. 1243