74 
basis. The results are quite encouraging. It was observed 
that the run-off has decreased and the ground water 
reserve and consumptive use has increased. 
The satellite data for the years 1995, 1996 and 
1997 are evaluated for changes in Land use/Land cover 
and the impact. Some of the salient statistics are given in 
Table 3. 
Table 3. 
Before After 3 years 
implemen- of implemen 
tation tation 
(Feb, 1997) 
1. 
Cropping Intensity (*) 
107% 
127% 
2. 
Horticulture Plantation (*) 
5 % 
6% 
3. 
Average yield of Rice (t/ha) (#) 
1.6 
2.4 
4. 
Average yield of Wheat (t/ha) (#) 
0.65 
1.1 
5. 
Average yield of Cotton (t/ha) (#) 
1 
2.1 
The groundwater table level has increased attaining 
equilibrium condition and the problem of drinking water 
was solved in the watershed using ground water 
conservation and recharge measures. Although the rain 
input in the year 1996-97 is around 60% of the average 
annual rainfall, the cropping intensity and yields have 
increased significantly showing trends of sustainable 
development. On a sample basis farmer level infor 
mation collected to identify the trend in economic 
reforms. The farmer has achieved good economic 
returns to the tune of 10 folds in marginal lands (100$ to 
1000$), 4 fold in moderately developed lands (300$ to 
1200$) and more than 2 fold in developed lands (600$ to 
1400$). 
6.0 CONCLUSION 
The potential of Remote Sensing technology has 
been effectively harnessed for the management of the 
natural resources in the Integrated Mission for 
Sustainable Development (IMSD) program of Dept, of 
Space. Decision support system for development 
planning have been evolved using GIS in the NRTS 
program. The Indian experience with the successful use 
of Remote Sensing technology and GIS for enriching the 
development planning process at watershed level could 
be adapted by other developing countries. 
7.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 
The authors express their deep gratitude to Dr. D.P. 
Rao, Chairman ISPRS working group, VI1/2 and 
Director, NRSA for giving an opportunity for presenting 
this study. Sincere thanks to Shri S. Adiga, Director, 
NNRMS-RRSSC and Shri K. Radhakrishnan, Mission 
Director, IMSD for their valuable guidance. 
8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 
Krishnamurthy Y.V.N., Radhakrishnan K„ Chandrasekhar 
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Our common Future (1987). Report of World Commission on 
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Rao U.R., Chandrasekhar M.G., Jayaraman V. (1995). Caring 
for the Planet Earth, Space & Agenda 21, Prism Books Pvt. 
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Rao U.R. (1996). Space Technology for Sustainable Develop 
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Rao U.R., Chandrasekhar M.G., Jayaraman V., Nageswara 
Rao P.P. and Manikiam B. (1991). Space Technology for 
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Natural Resources, 42nd IAF Congress, Montreal, Canada. 
Sebastian M., Nageswara Rao P.P., Jayaraman V. and 
Chandrasekhar M.G. (1993). An integrated approach to 
watershed management for sustainable development, Proc. 
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Technology for Sustainable Development', Bandung, 
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