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IAPRS & SIS, Vol.34, Part 7, "Resource and Environmental Monitoring", Hyderabad, India, 2002 
REMOTE SENSING AND GIS FOR MICRO-WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT : A 
GRASSROOT LEVEL APPROACH 
A.S. Arya, R.J. Bhanderi, S.K. Pathan , Ajai, Vithal Patel* & S.S Patel* 
Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad — 380 058, Gujarat, India 
*ANaRDe Foundation, Western zone, Gujarat, India 
ashu2arya@ yahoo.com 
KEYWORDS: Remote sensing, GIS, Hydrogeomorphology, Check Dam, Nala Bund, Agro-Forestry, Cost Benefit Ratio. 
ABSTRACT: 
Watershed development is an inter-disciplinary concept requiring multi-thematic information and its integration in a computer based 
automated digital environment. Remote sensing provides the ideal platform for gathering quick, multi temporal, cost-effective , 
multi-thematic and latest realistic terrain information as required in the watershed approach. Dept. of Space in India took up a 
project called IMSD (Integrated Mission on Sustainable Development) in order to fulfill the information needs in watershed 
development programme of Govt of India . Panchmahals was one such district in Gujarat state for which preparations of water and 
land resources development action plans were generated using remote sensing and GIS. The present paper discusses the details of 
this work with respect to the methodology adopted, results and especially the implementation by the concerned PIA's ( Project 
implementing agencies) in one of the talukas of the district. The end 
-to-end approach of planning, implementing and monitoring the 
benefits at the grass root level has been adopted and the results are summarized in this paper. 
1. INTRODUCTION 
Watershed development is an inter-disciplinary concept 
requiring multi-thematic information and its integration in a 
computer based automated digital environment. Remote 
sensing provides the ideal platform for gathering quick, multi 
temporal, cost-effective , multi-thematic and latest realistic 
terrain information as required in the watershed approach. 
Deptt Of Space in India took up a project called IMSD 
(Integrated Mission on Sustainable Development) in order to 
fulfill the information needs in watershed development 
programme of Govt of India . Panchmahals was one such 
district in Gujarat state for which preparations of water and land 
resources development action plans were generated using 
remote sensing and GIS. The present papers discusses the 
details of this work with respect to the methodology adopted, 
results and especially the implementation by the concerned 
PIA's ( Project implementing agencies) in one of the talukas of 
the district. The end-to-end approach of planning, 
implementing and monitoring the benefits at the grass root level 
have been adopted and the results are summarized in this paper. 
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 
The study aimed at using remote sensing and GIS as an 
affective tool for grass root level planning, development and 
implementation of natural resources within micro watersheds . 
The objective is to have an end-to-end approach involving 
preparation of water and land resources development action 
plans at I:50, 000 scale using remotely sensed and collateral 
data, sensitize the implementing agencies and end-user and 
analyze the cost-benefit ratio of implementation of the resource 
development action plans generated. 
3. STUDY AREA 
The study area lies in the Shehra Taluka of Godhra district 
(earlier known as Panchmahals district) in Gujarat state. 
671 
4. DATA USED 
IRS-LISS II geo-coded paper prints on 1:50,000 scale has been 
used. Three seasons data ( Kharif, Rabi and Summer) were 
selected for each geocoded paper print. 
5. METHODOLOGY 
Methodology was adopted from the Technical guidelines 
prepared by NRSA (Anon 1995). Visual interpretation of the 
satellite data was carried out to prepare thematic maps like 
hydrogeomorphology, landuse, drainage and road network etc. 
The maps were digitized in ARC/INFO GIS environment. 
Other information like Soil and geology were obtained from 
published maps. Field checks were carried out for the thematic 
maps. All the thematic maps were integrated in ARC INFO 
software in GIS environment. Later the PIA’s ( Project 
implementing Agencies were sensitized and trained for 
understanding and implementing the maps. The PIA's in turn 
submitted the proposal to DRDA ( District Rural Development 
Agency) for funding. Later the funded projects were 
implemented by PIA's and the end user's (the farmers) were 
interviewed for obtaining the feed back as regards the benefit 
experienced by them in terms of increment of crop area/yield 
and the resultant income there by. This was compared with the 
cost incurred on the particular water harvesting structure and 
the resultant cost benefit ratio were analysed to understand the 
efficacy of the end-to-end study. ANaRDe Foundation is one 
such PIA and Non-Governmental Organization, who was 
entrusted the task of implementation in parts of Shehra taluka 
by the DRDA. The water and land resources development 
action plans were prepared by the personals of ANaRDe 
Foundation on 1:50,000 scale and transferred on to cadastral 
maps of the village, at Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad 
under the guidance of scientists from SAC. The resource 
development plans were field checked and a report was 
prepared with location and cost estimate of each suggested 
structure. Report was submitted to the DRDA for approval and 
funding. After the funds were released by DRDA for 
implementing the water and land resources action plans the