Wastelands of Mizoram - Kolasib district
The Wasteland Mapping of Kolasib District, Mizoram was carried out by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC) under the National Wasteland Mapping Project sponsored by the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India. The primary objective of the study was to identify, classify, quantify and spatially map wastelands of Kolasib district using satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The resulting spatial database provides a scientific basis for sustainable land-use planning, watershed development, afforestation programmes, and reclamation of degraded lands.Kolasib district occupies the north-western part of Mizoram and serves as the gateway to the state, sharing its northern boundary with Assam. The district is characterized by rugged hill ranges interspersed with narrow valleys and low-lying plains. Elevation varies from the alluvial plains adjoining Assam to moderately high hill ranges in the southern part of the district. Compared with the central and southern districts of Mizoram, Kolasib possesses relatively gentler terrain and larger areas suitable for agriculture and settlements.The district experiences a humid tropical monsoon climate with abundant rainfall concentrated during the southwest monsoon season. The annual rainfall exceeds 2,000 mm, supporting luxuriant vegetation and rich biodiversity. Numerous perennial and seasonal streams drain the district, eventually joining the Barak River system. While the heavy rainfall sustains dense forest cover, it also accelerates soil erosion on exposed slopes affected by deforestation and shifting cultivation.Geologically, Kolasib district is composed predominantly of sedimentary rocks belonging to the Surma Group, consisting mainly of sandstone, shale and siltstone. These formations have undergone folding and faulting, producing the characteristic north–south trending hill ranges of Mizoram. The soils are generally acidic, moderately deep on hill slopes, and comparatively deeper in valley bottoms. Although rich in organic matter under forest cover, the soils become highly vulnerable to erosion when protective vegetation is removed.The natural vegetation consists mainly of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with extensive bamboo brakes. Economically important species include Michelia champaca, Schima wallichii, Gmelina arborea, Castanopsis spp., Terminalia spp., Albizia spp., Duabanga grandiflora, Macaranga denticulata, Trema orientalis, and several bamboo species. However, repeated anthropogenic disturbances, particularly shifting cultivation (jhum), extraction of forest resources and localized encroachments, have contributed to forest degradation and the formation of wastelands in several parts of the district.The study follows the standardized wasteland classification adopted under the National Wasteland Mapping Programme. Based on satellite image interpretation supported by extensive field verification, three major wasteland categories were identified in Kolasib district:Shifting Cultivation Areas – This represents the dominant wasteland category in the district. These lands comprise hill slopes subjected to the traditional slash-and-burn cultivation system. Vegetation is cleared and burned before cultivation, followed by abandonment to allow natural regeneration. However, the shortening of fallow periods due to increasing population pressure has reduced forest recovery, resulting in soil degradation, declining productivity and expansion of degraded landscapes. The report identifies shifting cultivation as the principal driver of wasteland formation in Kolasib district. Current Jhum Areas (Current Shifting Cultivation) – These include areas actively under cultivation during the period of satellite image acquisition. They are characterized by freshly cleared vegetation, exposed soil surfaces, seasonal agricultural crops and sparse regenerating vegetation. The report notes that current jhum areas are concentrated on moderate hill slopes surrounding rural settlements where traditional agricultural practices continue to dominate. Degraded Notified Forest Land – This category includes reserved and protected forest areas where the original forest vegetation has deteriorated due to repeated burning, fuelwood extraction, illicit felling, grazing and other anthropogenic disturbances. Although legally designated as forest land, these areas have experienced significant reduction in canopy density and ecological quality, necessitating restoration measures. The assessment reveals that shifting cultivation constitutes the largest proportion of wastelands in Kolasib district, while degraded notified forest occupies a comparatively smaller area. The report further indicates that the overall extent of wasteland has declined compared with the previous mapping cycle, reflecting positive impacts of natural forest regeneration, plantation programmes, watershed development initiatives and increasing adoption of horticulture and permanent agricultural practices. Large areas of abandoned jhum have gradually regenerated into secondary forests dominated by pioneer tree species and bamboo, demonstrating the ecological resilience of the landscape when adequate fallow periods are maintained.The report documents several successful examples of land restoration where abandoned jhum lands have been converted into orchards, plantations and agroforestry systems. Expansion of horticultural crops, soil conservation measures and community participation in resource management have contributed to improved land productivity and reduced land degradation in several localities. These examples illustrate the potential for sustainable land-use transformation while maintaining ecological stability.The study emphasizes that long-term management of Kolasib's wastelands requires an integrated strategy combining scientific watershed management, contour-based soil and water conservation, afforestation with indigenous species, promotion of agroforestry, regulated shifting cultivation practices, and expansion of sustainable horticultural development. Strengthening community participation through village institutions is considered essential for the successful implementation of conservation programmes because land-use decisions in Mizoram are closely linked to customary land tenure systems.Overall, the report demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS as powerful tools for systematic inventory and monitoring of wastelands in mountainous regions. The spatial database generated through the study provides valuable baseline information for government agencies, planners, forest managers and watershed development authorities involved in natural resource management. The findings indicate that although shifting cultivation continues to be the principal factor responsible for land degradation in Kolasib district, ongoing conservation initiatives and improved land management practices have resulted in measurable reduction of wastelands and enhanced prospects for sustainable landscape restoration.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D LISS III, February 2003Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: December, 2004
Wastelands of Mizoram - Lawngtlai district
The “Report on Wastelands of Mizoram – Lawngtlai District” was prepared under the National Wastelands Atlas Updation Programme coordinated by the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India, and implemented in Mizoram by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Application Centre (MSRSC). The project was undertaken to update the inventory of wastelands using satellite remote sensing and GIS technologies, assess temporal changes in land degradation, and generate a scientifically reliable database to support land reclamation, natural resource management, and sustainable development planning. The study forms part of a state-wide effort to monitor the changing status of degraded lands and evaluate the impacts of prevailing land-use practices on the fragile hill ecosystems of Mizoram.The study covers the entire Lawngtlai District, situated in the southern part of Mizoram between Bangladesh and Myanmar, with a total geographical area of approximately 1,991.19 sq. km, representing about 9.44% of the geographical area of the state. The district is characterized by rugged hill terrain, extensive forest cover, high rainfall conditions, and a predominantly rural population dependent on land-based livelihoods. The region receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,558 mm, creating favorable conditions for vegetation growth while simultaneously accelerating erosion processes in disturbed landscapes.The primary objective of the project was to identify, classify, and quantify various wasteland categories and to evaluate changes that had occurred between the previous wasteland assessment of 1995 and the updated mapping undertaken in 2003. Satellite imagery from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) programme was interpreted to delineate wasteland categories and assess their spatial distribution at watershed and district levels. Particular emphasis was placed on land degradation associated with current shifting cultivation (current jhum), abandoned shifting cultivation areas, degraded forest lands, and jhum cultivation occurring within notified forest areas, which are among the most significant drivers of environmental change in the district.The findings indicate that shifting cultivation remains the dominant land-use practice and the principal contributor to wasteland formation in Lawngtlai District. The study highlights how repeated clearing of forest vegetation and shortening of fallow cycles have transformed large tracts of primary forest into secondary vegetation and degraded landscapes. These changes have resulted in increased soil erosion, nutrient depletion, sedimentation of rivers, and reduced ecological productivity. The assessment reveals that the total wasteland area increased from approximately 377.73 sq. km (18.97%) in 1995 to about 563.79 sq. km (22.05%) in 2003, representing an increase of roughly 3.08% of the district’s geographical area over the study period. The most significant increase was observed in specific watershed regions where expansion of shifting cultivation and forest clearance were particularly pronounced.The report also documents the occurrence of current jhum cultivation within notified forest areas, indicating continued pressure on forest resources and highlighting the need for improved land-use management. At the same time, the study notes localized examples where degraded lands have been successfully converted to horticultural and agricultural uses, demonstrating the potential for productive reclamation when appropriate interventions are applied.Overall, the project provides an important geospatial baseline for understanding land degradation trends in Lawngtlai District. The findings offer valuable insights for planners, policymakers, and development agencies by identifying priority areas for ecological restoration, watershed management, afforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable agricultural development. The study further demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS technologies in monitoring landscape change and supporting evidence-based planning for sustainable land resource management in Mizoram.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D LISS III, February 2003Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: December, 2004
Wastelands of Mizoram – Saiha District
The Report on Wastelands of Mizoram – Saiha District was prepared under the initiative of National Wasteland Atlas Updation Programme, a nationwide remote sensing collaborative work coordinated by the Land Use Division of the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India. The project was implemented in Mizoram by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC) with the objective of updating the spatial inventory of wastelands, assessing changes in wasteland extent since the previous mapping cycle, and generating a reliable geospatial database to support land reclamation, resource management, and sustainable development planning.The study covers the entire Saiha District, located in the southernmost part of Mizoram, encompassing a geographical area of 1,965.81 sq. km, representing approximately 9.32% of the total area of Mizoram. At the time of the study, the district had a population of 61,056 with a literacy rate of 82.2%, indicating increasing developmental pressure on a landscape characterized by rugged hills, steep slopes, and extensive forest cover. The district also receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,625 mm, placing it within a high-rainfall ecological zone where land-use practices significantly influence soil stability and watershed health.The primary objective of the project was to identify, classify, and quantify wasteland categories using satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques, while also documenting changes that had occurred between successive mapping periods. The study generated district-level and watershed-level statistics on wasteland distribution and analyzed trends in land degradation and land-use transitions. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying wasteland categories associated with shifting cultivation practices, abandoned jhum areas, and degraded forest lands, which constitute the dominant forms of land degradation in the hill ecosystems of Mizoram.The findings indicate that wasteland formation in Saiha District is closely linked to traditional shifting cultivation systems and the shortening of fallow cycles. Large areas of current and abandoned jhum lands were observed across the district, reflecting the continuing dependence of rural communities on shifting cultivation. The study also highlights the occurrence of degraded forest areas where repeated disturbance has reduced vegetation quality and ecological productivity. These degraded landscapes are particularly vulnerable to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and loss of biodiversity due to the district’s steep terrain and high rainfall regime. The watershed-based analysis further provides an understanding of how wasteland distribution varies spatially and identifies areas where degradation pressures are most pronounced.Beyond mapping and quantification, the report emphasizes the importance of reclamation and sustainable management of degraded lands. The updated wasteland database and associated change analysis provide a valuable baseline for planners and decision-makers to prioritize restoration interventions, improve land productivity, and promote environmentally sustainable land-use practices. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of satellite remote sensing in monitoring land degradation and offers a scientific foundation for future programmes focused on afforestation, agroforestry, watershed management, and sustainable rural development in Saiha District. Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D LISS III, February 2003Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: December, 2004
Wastelands on Mizoram - Mamit district
The “Report on Wastelands of Mizoram – Mamit District” was prepared under the national Wastelands Atlas Updation Programme coordinated by the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India, with implementation in Mizoram by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC). The project aimed to update and refine the spatial inventory of wastelands in Mamit District through the application of satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques, thereby providing a scientific basis for land resource planning, reclamation, and sustainable development. The study forms part of a broader state-wide initiative to assess land degradation patterns and monitor changes in wasteland distribution over time.The study covers the entire Mamit District, located in the north-western part of Mizoram and encompassing a geographical area of approximately 3,025.75 sq. km, accounting for about 14.35% of the total geographical area of the state. Characterized by rugged hill terrain, high rainfall conditions, and extensive forest cover, the district presents a dynamic landscape where land-use practices, particularly shifting cultivation, play a significant role in influencing land degradation processes. The district receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,635 mm, creating favorable conditions for vegetation growth while simultaneously increasing susceptibility to soil erosion in disturbed areas.The principal objective of the project was to identify, classify, and quantify wasteland categories using satellite-derived information and to evaluate changes in wasteland extent since earlier mapping exercises. The study generated district-level and watershed-level statistics and examined the spatial distribution of degraded lands to identify areas requiring priority intervention. Particular emphasis was placed on wasteland categories associated with current shifting cultivation (jhum), young abandoned jhum lands, and degraded forest areas, which represent the dominant forms of land degradation within the district.The analysis indicates that wastelands occupy approximately 22.76% of the total district area, highlighting the substantial influence of shifting cultivation and associated land-use transitions on the landscape. Watershed-level assessment revealed significant spatial variation in wasteland occurrence, with certain watersheds exhibiting considerably higher concentrations of degraded lands than others. The study identifies shifting cultivation as the primary driver of land degradation, particularly where shortened fallow cycles limit natural vegetation recovery and reduce soil productivity.A notable observation of the study is the strong relationship between wasteland distribution and traditional land-use practices. Areas under current and recently abandoned jhum cultivation constitute a major proportion of the mapped wastelands, while degraded forest patches reflect cumulative pressures arising from repeated clearing and resource extraction. The report also notes the prevalence of secondary bamboo-dominated vegetation in abandoned jhum areas and highlights ongoing plantation activities in parts of the district as indicators of land restoration efforts.Overall, the project provides an updated geospatial database and analytical framework for understanding land degradation in Mamit District. The findings serve as an important resource for planners, policymakers, and development agencies by identifying priority areas for reclamation, afforestation, agroforestry, watershed management, and sustainable land-use interventions aimed at improving ecological stability and long-term land productivity.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D LISS III, February 2003Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: December, 2004
Wastelands of Mizoram - Lunglei district
The “Report on Wastelands of Mizoram – Lunglei District” was prepared under the National Wastelands Atlas Updation Programme, a nationwide initiative coordinated by the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India, and implemented in Mizoram by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC). The project aimed to update the inventory of wastelands using satellite remote sensing and GIS technologies, evaluate changes in land degradation patterns over time, and generate a reliable geospatial database to support land reclamation, environmental management, and sustainable development planning. The study forms part of a broader state-wide effort to monitor the status of degraded lands and assess the impacts of prevailing land-use practices on Mizoram’s fragile hill ecosystems.The study covers the entire Lunglei District, occupying approximately 4,538 sq. km, which constitutes about 21.52% of the total geographical area of Mizoram, making it one of the largest districts in the state. Characterized by rugged hill ranges, steep slopes, high rainfall, and extensive forest cover, the district experiences significant pressure from traditional shifting cultivation practices. The region receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,817 mm, and its terrain is dominated by deeply dissected hill systems separated by narrow valleys and perennial river networks.The primary objective of the project was to identify, classify, and quantify wasteland categories using satellite imagery and GIS-based interpretation and to assess changes in wasteland extent between 1995 and 2003. Particular emphasis was placed on land degradation associated with current shifting cultivation (current jhum), abandoned shifting cultivation areas, degraded notified forest lands, and current jhum occurring within notified forest areas. These categories were mapped and analyzed at both district and watershed levels to understand the spatial dynamics of land degradation.The findings indicate that wastelands accounted for approximately 21.26% of the district’s geographical area in 2003, representing a substantial increase from 16.19% recorded in 1995. The total wasteland extent increased from about 734.80 sq. km to 964.85 sq. km, reflecting a net increase of 5.07% of the district area over the eight-year period. Shifting cultivation emerged as the dominant driver of land degradation, with current jhum covering approximately 300.03 sq. km (6.61%) and abandoned jhum occupying about 596.64 sq. km (13.15%) of the district area. The study also identified 48.20 sq. km (1.06%) of degraded notified forest land and 19.99 sq. km (0.44%) of current jhum cultivation occurring within notified forest areas, highlighting continued pressure on protected forest resources.A notable observation of the study is the strong correlation between increasing wasteland extent and the persistence of shifting cultivation, particularly in watersheds experiencing shortened fallow cycles. The report documents how repeated clearing of forest vegetation has transformed large tracts of primary forest into secondary bamboo-dominated vegetation and degraded landscapes. Consequences include increased soil erosion, nutrient depletion, sedimentation of rivers, and declining ecological productivity. At the same time, the study identifies localized success stories where wasteland areas have decreased due to forest plantation programmes and the conversion of degraded lands into permanent horticultural and agricultural systems.Overall, the project provides a comprehensive geospatial assessment of land degradation in Lunglei District and establishes an important baseline for future monitoring and planning. The findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers, planners, and development agencies in prioritizing interventions related to afforestation, agroforestry, watershed management, sustainable agriculture, and ecological restoration, while also demonstrating the effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS technologies in supporting evidence-based land resource management in Mizoram.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D LISS III, February 2003Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: December, 2004