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The project “National Wastelands Monitoring using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data – Mizoram”, completed in 2009 by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC), Science & Technology, Planning Department, formed part of a national programme initiated by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for systematic updating and monitoring of wastelands using satellite remote sensing. The principal objective was to update the spatial extent and distribution of wastelands with reference to the 2003 database using 2005–2006 satellite data, and to develop a standardized digital database and information system suitable for subsequent monitoring and reclamation planning.The study covered the entire geographical area of Mizoram, 21,087 sq. km, comprising eight districts characterized by rugged hill terrain, high rainfall, extensive forest cover and widespread shifting cultivation. Multi-temporal IRS-P6 LISS-III satellite imagery acquired for Kharif, Rabi and Zaid seasons during 2005–2006 was used together with Survey of India topographic maps at 1:50,000 scale, existing land-use/land-cover and wasteland maps, road and settlement information, census and statistical data, and field observations. Mapping was undertaken through on-screen visual interpretation, seasonal comparison, ground verification and GIS-based database compilation following the standard National Wastelands Monitoring classification and methodology.Five major wasteland categories were identified for Mizoram: Scrub Forest–Scrub Dominated, Scrubland–Open Scrub, Current Shifting Cultivation, Abandoned Shifting Cultivation, and Degraded Pastures/Grazing Land. The mapped wasteland classes together account for approximately 5,941.77 sq. km, or 28.18% of the State’s geographical area, with the remaining 15,145.23 sq. km (71.82%) classified under non-wasteland or “Others”. Among the individual categories, Scrub Forest–Scrub Dominated was the most extensive at 3,364.51 sq. km (15.95%), followed by Abandoned Shifting Cultivation at 1,379.06 sq. km (6.54%) and Current Shifting Cultivation at 1,049.64 sq. km (4.97%). Open scrub occupied only 38.42 sq. km (0.18%), while degraded pasture/grazing land covered 110.13 sq. km (0.52%).A major component of the project was change detection between the 2003 and 2005–2006 wasteland databases. The analysis identified 4,130.68 sq. km of new wasteland, equivalent to 19.59% of Mizoram’s geographical area. Champhai District recorded the largest proportion of new wasteland at 30.92% of its district area, while Mamit recorded the lowest at 15.83%.Overall, the project established an important geospatial baseline for understanding land degradation dynamics in Mizoram. The district-wise maps, digital wasteland database and change-analysis products provide valuable inputs for land reclamation, watershed development, soil and water conservation, forestry, agricultural planning, shifting-cultivation management and environmental monitoring, while also enabling future temporal assessment of degraded-land recovery or expansion. Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000 Satellite data & Year: IRS P6 LISS-III (2005 & 2006)Thematic sub-category: Land Resources, WastelandsCollaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)Report Publication Month/Year: October, 2009

The “Report on Wastelands of Mizoram – Serchhip 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 aimed to update the spatial inventory of wastelands using satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, evaluate changes in land degradation over time, and develop a reliable geospatial database to support sustainable land-use planning, watershed management, and ecological restoration. The study contributes to the state-wide assessment of degraded lands and provides a scientific basis for prioritizing reclamation and conservation measures.The study encompasses the entire Serchhip District, located in the central part of Mizoram and characterized by rugged hill terrain, steep slopes, dense forest cover, and a predominantly agrarian population. The district experiences a humid tropical climate with high annual rainfall, which promotes luxuriant vegetation but also increases the susceptibility of disturbed slopes to soil erosion and land degradation. Traditional land-use systems, particularly shifting cultivation (jhum), continue to exert significant influence on the district’s landscape dynamics and ecological stability.The principal objective of the project was to identify, classify, and quantify different categories of wastelands through interpretation of multi-temporal IRS satellite imagery and GIS analysis, while also assessing the changes that occurred between the previous wasteland inventory and the updated assessment. Mapping was carried out at both district and watershed levels to evaluate the spatial distribution of degraded lands and identify areas requiring priority intervention. Particular emphasis was placed on wasteland categories associated with current shifting cultivation, abandoned jhum lands, degraded forest areas, and shifting cultivation occurring within notified forest lands, which constitute the dominant forms of land degradation in the district.The assessment indicates that shifting cultivation remains the principal driver of wasteland formation in Serchhip District. Expansion of current jhum cultivation, coupled with shortened fallow cycles, has resulted in the gradual conversion of mature forests into secondary bamboo-dominated vegetation and degraded landscapes. The study highlights a net increase in wasteland extent compared with the previous assessment, reflecting continued pressure on land resources due to repeated forest clearing, biomass removal, and unsustainable cultivation practices. Watershed-level analysis reveals considerable spatial variation in wasteland distribution, with higher concentrations occurring in areas where shifting cultivation is more intensive and terrain conditions favour accelerated soil erosion.The study also documents localized improvements in land condition resulting from plantation programmes, horticultural development, and conversion of degraded lands into permanent agricultural systems, demonstrating the potential for successful reclamation through appropriate land management practices. These observations emphasize the importance of integrating scientific land-use planning with community-based resource management to reduce further land degradation.Overall, the project provides a comprehensive geospatial assessment of wastelands in Serchhip District and establishes an important baseline for long-term environmental monitoring. The findings serve as a valuable resource for planners, policymakers, and development agencies by identifying priority areas for afforestation, agroforestry, watershed development, soil and water conservation, and sustainable agricultural interventions. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS technologies in supporting evidence-based decision-making for sustainable land resource management in the hill ecosystems of 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

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

The “Report on Wastelands of Mizoram – Aizawl 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 by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC). The project aimed to update the spatial inventory of wastelands using advanced Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, evaluate changes in land degradation since the previous national assessment, and develop a comprehensive geospatial database to support sustainable land-use planning, watershed management, and ecological restoration. The study forms an integral part of the state-wide initiative to monitor degraded lands and provide scientific information for resource conservation and development planning.The study encompasses the entire Aizawl District, located in the north-central part of Mizoram, with a geographical area of approximately 3,557.36 sq. km, representing about 16.86% of the total geographical area of the state. The district is characterized by rugged hill ranges, steep slopes, narrow valleys, and extensive forest cover. The humid tropical climate, with an average annual rainfall exceeding 2,500 mm, supports luxuriant vegetation but also accelerates soil erosion and land degradation in areas disturbed by anthropogenic activities. Agriculture, particularly shifting cultivation (jhum), remains the principal land-use practice influencing the district's landscape dynamics.The primary objective of the project was to identify, classify, and quantify various wasteland categories using interpretation of IRS satellite imagery integrated with GIS analysis, and to assess temporal changes in wasteland distribution between 1995 and 2003. The assessment focused on major wasteland classes including current shifting cultivation, abandoned shifting cultivation, degraded forests, and current jhum within notified forest areas. Spatial analysis was carried out at both district and watershed levels to identify areas experiencing severe land degradation and requiring priority management interventions.The study reveals that the total wasteland area in Aizawl District increased from 756.26 sq. km (21.25% of the geographical area) in 1995 to 792.61 sq. km (22.28%) in 2003, representing a net increase of 36.35 sq. km (1.03% of the district area) during the eight-year period. Abandoned shifting cultivation emerged as the dominant wasteland category, increasing from 465.01 sq. km (13.07%) to 483.24 sq. km (13.58%), while degraded forest expanded from 67.19 sq. km (1.89%) to 73.70 sq. km (2.08%). Conversely, current shifting cultivation declined slightly from 196.04 sq. km (5.51%) to 184.10 sq. km (5.18%), suggesting localized conversion of active jhum fields into abandoned fallows and secondary vegetation. The study also identified 51.56 sq. km (1.45%) of current shifting cultivation occurring within notified forest areas, indicating continued pressure on protected forest ecosystems.Watershed-level analysis demonstrated considerable spatial variability in wasteland distribution, with several watersheds exhibiting wasteland proportions exceeding 30% of their geographical area, reflecting the combined influence of steep terrain, repeated shifting cultivation, and shortened fallow cycles. The report further documents localized reductions in wasteland extent resulting from afforestation programmes, horticultural plantations, and conversion of degraded lands into permanent agricultural systems, illustrating the effectiveness of targeted reclamation initiatives.Overall, the project provides a robust geospatial assessment of land degradation in Aizawl District and establishes an important baseline for future environmental monitoring. The findings offer valuable guidance for planners, policymakers, and resource managers in prioritizing interventions related to afforestation, watershed development, agroforestry, soil and water conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies in supporting evidence-based land resource management and promoting environmentally sustainable development in the fragile hill ecosystems of 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

The Wasteland Mapping of Champhai District, Mizoram was undertaken 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 study aims to identify, classify, quantify and spatially map wastelands in Champhai district using satellite remote sensing and GIS techniques, thereby providing a scientific database for sustainable land-use planning, watershed development, afforestation and ecological restoration.Champhai district occupies the eastern part of Mizoram and shares an international boundary with Myanmar. The district is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, narrow valleys, steep hill slopes and extensive forest cover. Elevation varies considerably from the valley floors to mountain ridges exceeding 2,000 m, resulting in diverse physiographic conditions. The region experiences a humid tropical monsoon climate with high annual rainfall, which supports luxuriant vegetation but also accelerates soil erosion on exposed hill slopes.The geology of the district is dominated by sedimentary formations belonging to the Surma Group, consisting mainly of sandstone, siltstone and shale. These rocks have undergone intense folding and faulting, giving rise to the characteristic north-south trending hill ranges of Mizoram. The soils are generally shallow to moderately deep on hill slopes, acidic in nature, rich in organic matter in the surface horizons, but susceptible to erosion due to steep gradients and shifting cultivation practices.Natural vegetation comprises tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests interspersed with bamboo brakes and secondary forests. However, human interventions, particularly shifting cultivation (jhum), have significantly altered the original forest cover in many parts of the district. The shortening of jhum cycles has reduced the regenerative capacity of forests, resulting in increasing areas of degraded land.The study adopts the standardized wasteland classification developed under the National Wasteland Mapping Programme. Based on visual interpretation of satellite imagery supported by field verification, three major categories of wasteland were identified in Champhai district:Shifting Cultivation Areas – These constitute the largest share of wastelands in the district. Large tracts of hill slopes are subjected to rotational cultivation involving clearing, burning and temporary cultivation followed by abandonment. While traditional jhum is ecologically sustainable under long fallow periods, increasing population pressure has shortened the fallow cycle, leading to inadequate vegetation regeneration, soil degradation and declining agricultural productivity. During the survey period, this category accounted for approximately 804.46 km², representing about 25.25% of the district's geographical area, making it the dominant wasteland class. Current Jhum Areas (Current Jhum Land) – These include lands presently under cultivation after recent clearing and burning. Such areas are characterized by exposed soil surfaces, temporary crops and early successional vegetation. The spatial distribution reflects active shifting cultivation predominantly on moderate to steep hill slopes. Degraded Notified Forest Land – These are portions of reserved and protected forests where the natural vegetation has deteriorated due to repeated biotic disturbances, frequent burning, encroachment and unsustainable extraction of forest resources. Although these lands continue to retain legal forest status, their ecological condition has been substantially impaired. The report highlights that the overwhelming dominance of shifting cultivation in the district strongly influences land degradation patterns. Nevertheless, comparison with previous assessments indicates a decline in the overall extent of wastelands, suggesting gradual improvement in land management. The report records that the total wasteland area decreased from approximately 959.63 km² (30.09%) in the earlier assessment to 804.46 km² (25.25%), reflecting a reduction of about 155.17 km². This positive change has largely been attributed to natural forest regeneration during longer fallow periods in certain locations, successful plantation programmes, horticultural development, improved watershed management and conversion of abandoned jhum lands into permanent agricultural and horticultural plantations.Field observations documented several encouraging examples of ecological recovery. Previously abandoned jhum areas have regenerated into secondary forests dominated by pioneer species such as Macaranga denticulata, Trema orientalis, Albizia spp., and various bamboo species. In several locations, degraded slopes have been successfully converted into fruit orchards and plantations, demonstrating the potential for sustainable land-use transitions. Photographic evidence included in the report illustrates abandoned jhum fields undergoing natural succession as well as areas where horticultural development has stabilized formerly degraded landscapes.The report emphasizes that effective management of Champhai's wastelands requires an integrated approach combining soil and water conservation measures, scientific watershed management, afforestation using suitable indigenous species, promotion of agroforestry, improvement of shifting cultivation practices, and expansion of sustainable horticulture. Community participation is considered essential because most land-use decisions are closely linked with traditional village institutions and customary practices.Overall, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS technologies for systematic monitoring of land degradation in mountainous regions. The generated spatial database provides valuable baseline information for planners, forest managers, watershed development agencies and policy makers engaged in sustainable natural resource management. The findings indicate that although shifting cultivation remains the principal driver of land degradation in Champhai district, ongoing conservation interventions and improved land-use practices have contributed to measurable reductions in wasteland extent, highlighting the potential for ecological restoration and sustainable landscape management in the 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