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
