6 
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 geomorphic 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 water bodies 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. 
7.2.2 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 resources regions or 
Composite Land Development Units (CLDU), and their 
spatial distribution, potential and limitations for 
sustained agriculture and other uses; and development of 
an integration key. The first step is accomplished by 
superimposing individual thematic map over another 
manually and identifying CLDUs. This could also be 
done by digitizing/scanning all the thematic maps and 
studying them subsequently in a GIS environment. Each 
CLDU is studied carefully in the light of various natural 
resources and socio-economic and climatic conditions 
and a specific land use and/soil and water conservation 
practice are suggested based on its sustainability. 
Subsequently, taking landform as a base an integration 
key in terms of potential/limitations of soils, present land 
use/land cover, and ground water potential; and 
suggested alternate land use/action plan is developed. 
7.2.3 Implementation of Action Plan 
The action plan and/alternate land use practices 
emerging from aforesaid approach are implemented by 
the implementing agencies in the district. The state-of- 
the-art technology available for each action item is used 
in order to fully exploit the contemporary research and 
developments in the field of agriculture, science and 
technology. While implementing the action plan the 
aspiration of the local people obtained through a process 
called Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is given 
utmost importance. Initially, a micro watershed of 500 - 
600 ha is identified by the district/block authorities 
based on developmental priority and the operational 
aspects of each activity under action plan is studied 
carefully. Since most of the land except for common 
land/government land belongs to cultivators/individuals, 
for implementation of action plan information on each 
land holding which is available in cadastral maps (large 
scale village maps) is required. For this purpose, 
cadastral map boundaries are digitized/scanned and 
overlaid onto satellite data. The individual field where a 
specific action plan is recommended could be identified 
by superimposing action plan map over digitized/ 
scanned cadastral maps. The progress of the implemen 
tation is monitored by an expert committee constituted 
by the state government for each state/district. 
7.2.4 Impact Assessment 
After implementation of suggested action plan for 
land and water resources development, the area 
undergoes transformation which could be monitored 
regularly. Such exercise not only helps studying the 
impact of the programme but also enables resorting to 
midcourse correction, if required. Parameters included 
under monitoring activities are land use/land cover, 
extent of irrigated area, vegetation density and 
condition; fluctuation of ground water table, well density 
and yield, cropping pattern and crop yield, occurrence of 
hazards and socio-economic conditions. Included under 
land use/land cover parameters are: changes in the 
number and areal extent of surface water bodies, spatial 
extent of forest and other plantations, wastelands and 
cropped area. The vegetation density and vigor have 
been assessed using vegetation index (VI) generated 
from IRS 1A/1B LISS-II data. 
8. CONCLUSIONS 
' Sustainable development attempts to balance the 
often conflicting ideals of economic growth and 
maintaining environmental quality and viability. Remote 
sensing provides a reliable base for generating infor