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The Natural Resources Mapping of Kolasib District using Remote Sensing and GIS was undertaken by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC), Science, Technology & Environment Wing, Planning Department, Government of Mizoram, under the Natural Resources Mapping of Mizoram project sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong. The study forms part of a state-wide initiative launched in 2004 to develop a comprehensive geospatial database of Mizoram's natural resources through the integration of satellite remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), GPS surveys, and field investigations. The primary objective was to generate accurate thematic maps and digital spatial datasets that would support sustainable land and water resource management, environmental planning, and informed decision-making at district and state levels. The project covers the entire Kolasib District, the northernmost district of Mizoram, extending over 1,382.51 sq. km, representing approximately 6.56% of the state's geographical area. IRS-1D LISS-III and Panchromatic satellite imagery acquired during 2003–2004 formed the primary data source, supplemented by Survey of India topographic sheets, geological and meteorological records, soil investigations, and extensive ground verification. A standardized workflow comprising pre-field image interpretation, GPS-assisted field validation, laboratory analysis, and GIS integration was adopted to generate thematic layers on transport network and settlements, drainage, watershed boundaries, geology, geomorphology, slope, aspect, groundwater potential, soils, and land use/land cover, culminating in district-level land and water resource development plans. The study reveals that Kolasib is predominantly a hilly district, with low structural hills occupying about 91.94% of the total area, while valley fills and flood plains together account for less than 5%, indicating limited terrain suitable for intensive agriculture. Geologically, the district is dominated by siltstone and shale formations (77.99%), followed by sandstone (19.32%), with recent alluvial deposits occurring mainly along major river systems such as the Tlawng, Tuirial, and Serlui. Land use analysis demonstrates that forest remains the dominant land cover, with bamboo forests alone covering 657.40 sq. km (47.55%), while medium and dense forests together account for over 23% of the district. Current and abandoned shifting cultivation (jhum) occupy approximately 200.44 sq. km (14.50%), highlighting the continued influence of traditional agricultural practices on the landscape. The assessment also documents the growing importance of horticulture, including arecanut, citrus, coffee, banana, pineapple, and black pepper plantations, which represent a gradual transition towards more sustainable land-use systems. Groundwater potential mapping indicates that 33.07% of the district possesses moderate groundwater potential, whereas 37.24% falls within the poor potential category because of steep topography and rapid surface runoff. Soil investigations identified predominantly acidic red and yellow loamy soils belonging to the Entisols, Inceptisols, and Ultisols orders, characterized by high organic carbon and nitrogen content but comparatively low phosphorus and potassium availability. The report further classified land irrigability and hydrosoil characteristics, providing a scientific basis for selecting suitable agricultural practices and water management strategies. A major outcome of the project is the preparation of integrated land and water resource development plans based on GIS analysis of multiple thematic layers. The study identifies opportunities for watershed development, rainwater harvesting, groundwater exploration, soil conservation, afforestation, agroforestry, horticultural expansion, and scientific land capability planning. By combining satellite-derived information with field observations and spatial modelling, the project establishes a comprehensive natural resource information system for Kolasib District. The generated maps, datasets, and development plans provide a valuable reference for government agencies, researchers, planners, and development organizations, enabling evidence-based planning and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources in one of Mizoram's most strategically important districts. Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D PAN & LISS III (2003 & 2004) – Digital & Photo printThematic sub-category: Land Use/Land Cover, Geology, Water resource, Climate, Action Plan Collaborating/Funding Agency: North Eastern Council (NEC), ShillongReport Publication Month/Year: September, 2005

The project "Environmental Studies of Aizawl City using Remote Sensing and GIS" was undertaken by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC), and Science, Technology & Environment Wing, Planning Department, Government of Mizoram in March 2005. The study was initiated in response to the rapid and largely unplanned expansion of Aizawl city, which has resulted in increasing environmental degradation, pressure on natural resources, and growing urban management challenges. The project employs Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies to generate an integrated environmental database that can support scientific urban planning, infrastructure development, hazard mitigation, and sustainable environmental management.Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, has experienced unprecedented urban growth over the past few decades due to administrative expansion, population increase, and rural-to-urban migration. The city is situated along narrow ridge tops and steep hill slopes within the rugged hill terrain of the state. This unique topographic setting severely limits the availability of developable land while simultaneously increasing the susceptibility of the city to environmental hazards such as landslides, slope failures, soil erosion, water scarcity, and environmental pollution. Recognizing these challenges, the project sought to establish a comprehensive environmental information system covering both the natural and anthropogenic components of the urban landscape.The study area encompasses the entire municipal limits of Aizawl City covering approximately 12,898 hectares, located between 23°39'–23°50' N latitude and 92°39'–92°47' E longitude. The city occupies a series of elongated hill ridges with elevations ranging from approximately 700 m to over 1,100 m above mean sea level, separated by deeply incised valleys. The complex physiography has strongly influenced urban expansion patterns, transportation networks, drainage systems, and infrastructure development.The principal objective of the project was to develop a comprehensive environmental database through the integration of satellite imagery, topographic information, field surveys, and GIS analysis. Specifically, the study aimed to:Prepare an updated land use/land cover database; Assess surface and groundwater resources; Evaluate water quality and water supply systems; Study geology, geomorphology and structural characteristics; Delineate landslide hazard zones; Generate terrain information including slope, aspect and elevation; Assess soil characteristics and land capability; Analyze existing urban growth patterns; Formulate recommendations for environmentally sustainable urban planning and resource management. The project integrates multiple thematic layers generated from satellite imagery, Survey of India topographic maps, geological maps, field investigations, laboratory analyses, and GPS observations. These datasets were compiled within a GIS environment to facilitate spatial analysis and decision-making.One of the major components of the study involves terrain analysis, which demonstrates that Aizawl is predominantly developed along steep ridge tops with side slopes frequently exceeding 35–45%. Such terrain conditions significantly restrict construction activities and increase the risk of slope instability. Digital elevation models, slope maps, aspect maps and terrain profiles were generated to identify suitable areas for future urban expansion and infrastructure development.The geological and geomorphological investigations reveal that the city is underlain predominantly by folded sedimentary rocks belonging to the Surma Group, consisting mainly of sandstone, shale and siltstone. Numerous joints, fractures and bedding planes weaken the rock mass, making many hill slopes vulnerable to failure during prolonged rainfall. The geomorphological assessment identifies ridge tops, structural hills, denudational slopes, escarpments and narrow valleys as the principal landforms controlling urban development.A comprehensive climatological assessment was undertaken using long-term meteorological records. The study analyses rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind characteristics and seasonal climatic variations. Aizawl experiences a humid tropical monsoon climate with annual rainfall exceeding 2,000 mm, most of which occurs during the southwest monsoon season. High rainfall intensity combined with steep terrain contributes significantly to soil erosion, slope instability and frequent landslide occurrences. The climatic analysis also highlights the influence of monsoon winds, seasonal humidity and temperature regimes on vegetation growth and urban environmental conditions.The project includes an extensive evaluation of the water resources of Aizawl city. Surface water sources, perennial streams, reservoirs and groundwater occurrences were inventoried and analysed. The report documents the historical evolution of the city's water supply system and identifies increasing pressure on available water resources due to rapid population growth. Groundwater investigations indicate generally limited groundwater potential because of the hard sedimentary formations and steep terrain. Nevertheless, localized aquifers associated with fractured sandstone formations provide opportunities for supplementary groundwater development. Water quality analyses indicate that although most water sources remain suitable for domestic use after treatment, increasing urbanization has begun to affect the quality of several streams through domestic sewage discharge and solid waste disposal.One of the most significant components of the study is the landslide hazard zonation. Using an integrated approach combining slope, geology, land use, drainage, structural discontinuities and field observations, the project identifies areas of varying landslide susceptibility throughout the city. Numerous unstable slopes were documented where inappropriate hill cutting, road construction, deforestation and uncontrolled urban development have destabilized natural hill slopes. The hazard zonation maps provide an important planning tool for regulating future construction and reducing disaster risks.The soil survey forms another major component of the project. Representative soil profiles were studied across different physiographic units and analysed for both physical and chemical properties. The soils are generally acidic, moderately deep on ridge tops, deeper on gentle slopes and valley floors, and rich in organic matter under forest vegetation. However, removal of vegetation cover significantly accelerates erosion and nutrient loss. Laboratory analyses of soil texture, bulk density, moisture content, pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and nutrient status were carried out to assess soil fertility and land capability. Based on these characteristics, land capability classifications were developed to guide suitable land utilization and conservation practices.The land use/land cover analysis demonstrates the rapid transformation of the urban landscape. Built-up areas have expanded considerably along ridge tops and major transportation corridors, often replacing forest cover and agricultural lands. The study classifies land use into categories including dense forest, open forest, scrub, agricultural land, settlements, institutional areas, roads, water bodies and barren lands. GIS analysis reveals increasing fragmentation of forest patches, reduction in natural vegetation, and expansion of residential areas into environmentally sensitive slopes.The report emphasizes that many of these problems are interconnected and require integrated planning rather than isolated engineering interventions. Based on the environmental assessment, the study recommends a comprehensive urban environmental management strategy. Major recommendations include strict regulation of construction activities on steep slopes, scientific land-use zoning based on terrain suitability, implementation of landslide mitigation measures, watershed conservation, afforestation using indigenous species, improved drainage systems, scientific solid waste management, protection of water sources, groundwater recharge, strengthening of environmental monitoring programmes, and establishment of a GIS-based Urban Environmental Information System for continuous planning support.The project demonstrates that Remote Sensing and GIS provide powerful tools for integrated urban environmental assessment, enabling the simultaneous evaluation of topography, geology, land use, hydrology, soils, hazards and infrastructure within a single spatial framework. The generated environmental database constitutes one of the earliest comprehensive GIS-based urban environmental information systems for Aizawl city and provides a valuable baseline for future urban planning, disaster risk reduction, infrastructure development and sustainable natural resource management.Overall, the study concludes that while Aizawl's unique mountainous setting presents significant constraints to urban expansion, scientifically informed planning supported by geospatial technologies can substantially reduce environmental degradation and improve the long-term sustainability of urban development. The report therefore serves as an important reference document for planners, engineers, environmental managers, disaster management authorities and policymakers involved in guiding the future growth of Aizawl city.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:12,500Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D PAN (February 2001) & LISS III (May 2002)Thematic sub-category: Land Use/Land Cover, Geology, Water resource, Climate, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: Science, Technology & Environment Wing, Planning Department, Government of MizoramReport Publication Month/Year: March, 2005

The report “Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Saiha and Lawngtlai Districts” presents a comprehensive geospatial assessment of natural resources and land-use conditions in the southern districts of Mizoram, undertaken to support integrated planning and sustainable development through the application of remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The study forms part of the IMSD programme framework, adapted and implemented at the state level to generate spatially explicit, multi-thematic datasets for decentralized planning. The project was executed by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) with the objective of developing scientifically informed, location-specific action plans for resource management and livelihood enhancement.The primary objective of the study was to assess the spatial distribution and condition of natural resources across Saiha and Lawngtlai districts and to integrate these datasets with socio-economic information to guide sectoral development interventions. Satellite imagery was interpreted and analysed within a GIS environment to generate key thematic layers including land use and land cover, slope, soil characteristics, hydrogeomorphology, drainage network, groundwater potential zones, transportation network, and settlement distribution. These layers were subsequently integrated to evaluate land capability and identify constraints affecting agricultural productivity, soil stability, water availability, and overall environmental sustainability.The analysis reveals that a significant proportion of the study area is under forest cover and secondary vegetation associated with shifting cultivation practices, which remain the dominant land-use system in the region. Extensive areas of fallow land and degraded forest were identified, reflecting the impact of repeated jhum cycles and shortened fallow periods. Agricultural land occupies a relatively smaller proportion of the total area and is primarily confined to valley bottoms and gentle slopes where soil fertility and moisture availability are more favourable. The slope analysis indicates that much of the terrain falls within moderate to steep slope categories, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of the landscape to soil erosion and land degradation.Hydrogeomorphological assessment suggests that groundwater potential in the districts is generally low to moderate due to steep terrain and high surface runoff; however, localized zones such as valley fills, weathered rock formations, and structural depressions were identified as suitable for groundwater recharge and water resource development. The integration of thematic layers enabled the delineation of erosion-prone areas and resource-deficient zones requiring priority intervention.Based on the integrated analysis, the study proposes a set of targeted action plans aimed at improving land productivity and environmental sustainability. Recommended interventions include afforestation and regeneration of degraded forest lands, promotion of horticulture and agroforestry in suitable upland areas, soil and water conservation measures such as contour trenching and vegetative barriers, development of fodder resources, and construction of water harvesting structures to enhance groundwater recharge and support irrigation. These interventions were prioritized based on land capability, slope stability, and proximity to settlements to ensure practical implementation and maximum socio-economic benefit.Overall, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating Remote sensing, GIS, and field-based information in developing actionable, watershed-based development plans for ecologically fragile hill regions. The project provides a comprehensive spatial database and decision-support framework that can guide sustainable management of land, water, and forest resources in Saiha and Lawngtlai districts. Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D, 1994-1995Thematic sub-category: Land & Water, Geology, Spatial PlanningCollaborating/Funding Agency: Government of MizoramReport Publication Month/Year: November, 2002

The report “Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Lunglei District” represents a continuation and expansion of the Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development initiative within Lunglei District, Mizoram, undertaken to support systematic natural resource planning through the integration of remote sensing, GIS analysis, and field-based surveys. Unlike earlier phases of the IMSD programme that were implemented under the Department of Space with technical support from national remote sensing institutions, this phase of the project was undertaken with funding support from the Government of Mizoram, reflecting the state government’s recognition of the importance of geospatial information for decentralized planning and sustainable resource management. The study was implemented by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) as part of its mandate to develop spatial databases and decision-support tools for district-level planning. The principal objective of the project was to generate an updated and integrated assessment of natural resources in Lunglei District and to develop actionable development plans based on scientific evaluation of land capability and environmental constraints. The study sought to build upon earlier IMSD datasets by refining thematic information and extending the analysis to additional areas within the district. To achieve this objective, satellite remote sensing data were interpreted and processed within a GIS environment to generate a comprehensive suite of thematic layers describing the physical and environmental characteristics of the landscape. These included land use and land cover, slope and terrain characteristics, soil resources, hydrogeomorphology, drainage patterns, groundwater prospects, transportation networks, and settlement distribution. These spatial datasets were subsequently integrated with socio-economic and meteorological information to support multi-sectoral planning and to identify priority zones for development interventions. Analysis of the land use and land cover data indicates that forest vegetation and secondary regrowth associated with shifting cultivation continue to dominate the landscape of Lunglei District. Large tracts of land are occupied by regenerating fallow areas reflecting the prevalence of jhum cultivation practices in the region. Agricultural land occupies a relatively small proportion of the district and is mainly confined to valley floors and gently sloping terrain where soil depth, moisture availability, and accessibility are more favourable for cultivation. The spatial distribution of degraded forest and fallow lands identified in the study highlights the ecological pressures associated with shortened jhum cycles and increasing land-use intensity.Slope and terrain analysis reveal that the district is characterized predominantly by moderate to steep slopes, a geomorphological condition typical of the hill ranges of Mizoram. Such terrain conditions increase vulnerability to soil erosion and land degradation, particularly where vegetation cover has been removed for cultivation. Hydrogeomorphological assessment indicates that groundwater potential across much of the district remains generally low to moderate because of steep slopes and rapid runoff characteristics. However, certain geomorphic features such as valley fills, structural depressions, and weathered zones were identified as favourable locations for groundwater recharge and localized water resource development. Based on the integrated evaluation of natural resource parameters, the project developed a series of location-specific action plans aimed at improving environmental sustainability and enhancing rural livelihoods. Recommended interventions include afforestation and regeneration of degraded forest lands, promotion of horticultural and agroforestry practices on suitable slopes, soil and water conservation measures such as contour bunding and vegetative barriers, development of fodder resources, and the construction of water harvesting structures to enhance groundwater recharge and support irrigation in agricultural areas. The prioritization of these interventions was guided by land capability, slope stability, soil characteristics, and proximity to settlements in order to maximize both ecological benefits and socio-economic impact.Overall, the study demonstrates the continued relevance of the IMSD framework as a practical approach for integrated watershed and land resource planning in mountainous regions. By updating spatial datasets and refining development strategies for Lunglei District, the project provides a valuable decision-support tool for government departments and local planning authorities engaged in sustainable land, water, and forest resource management in Mizoram.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D, 1994-1995Thematic sub-category: Land & Water, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: Government of MizoramReport Publication Month/Year: March, 2002

The report “Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Part of Lunglei District” presents a comprehensive geospatial evaluation of natural resources and land-use conditions within western areas of Lunglei District, Mizoram, undertaken to support integrated planning and sustainable development using satellite remote sensing and GIS-based spatial analysis. The study area covers part of Lunglei, Lungsen, Bunghmun Rural development blocks. The study forms part of the nationwide IMSD programme initiated by the Department of Space, Government of India, which aims to integrate thematic information derived from remote sensing with field-level surveys and socio-economic data in order to generate location-specific development strategies. In Mizoram, the project was implemented by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) with technical support from ISRO and the National Remote Sensing Centre, following standardized methodologies developed for the IMSD programme. The primary objective of the study was to create a spatial database of natural resources and environmental conditions in the study area and to use this information to develop practical action plans for resource conservation and sustainable land use. To achieve this objective, satellite imagery interpretation was combined with GIS-based spatial modelling and field verification surveys to generate a series of thematic layers representing key environmental parameters. These included land use and land cover, slope categories, soil characteristics, hydrogeomorphology, drainage systems, groundwater potential zones, transport networks, and settlement patterns. These datasets were subsequently integrated with socio-economic and meteorological information to evaluate land capability and identify priority areas for developmental interventions. Analysis of land use and land cover patterns indicates that a substantial proportion of the study area is occupied by forest vegetation and secondary growth associated with shifting cultivation practices, which remain the dominant agricultural system in the district. The study also identifies areas of degraded forest and abandoned jhum fallows resulting from repeated cultivation cycles and reduced fallow periods. Agricultural lands represent a relatively small share of the total area and are largely concentrated along valley bottoms and moderately sloping terrain where soil depth and moisture availability are more favourable for crop cultivation.The slope analysis highlights that a significant portion of the terrain falls within moderate to steep slope categories, reflecting the rugged physiography typical of Mizoram’s hill ranges. Such terrain conditions increase the susceptibility of the landscape to soil erosion, particularly in areas where vegetation cover has been disturbed due to agricultural activities or shifting cultivation practices. Hydrogeomorphological analysis further indicates that groundwater potential within much of the watershed is generally moderate to low because of the steep topography and rapid runoff characteristics of the region. However, valley fills, fractured rock zones, and localized structural depressions were identified as potential zones for groundwater recharge and small-scale water resource development. Based on the integrated analysis of these thematic layers, the study delineated priority zones for resource conservation and development. The resulting action plans propose a range of interventions including afforestation and regeneration of degraded forest lands, promotion of horticulture and agroforestry on suitable slopes, soil and water conservation measures such as contour bunding and vegetative barriers, development of fodder resources for livestock, and the construction of water harvesting and small irrigation structures to improve water availability in agricultural areas. These recommendations were prioritized based on land capability, slope stability, soil conditions, and proximity to existing settlements to ensure effective implementation and socio-economic benefits for local communities.Overall, the IMSD study for Lunglei District demonstrates the practical value of integrating satellite remote sensing, GIS technology, and field surveys in developing scientifically informed strategies for watershed-based development in mountainous regions. The project provides a comprehensive spatial database and planning framework that can guide sustainable land, water, and forest resource management while supporting rural development initiatives across the district.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D, 1994-1995Thematic sub-category: Land & Water, Geology, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: NRSC Hyderabad, RRSC Kharagpur & Department of SpaceReport Publication Month/Year: January, 1998