Wasteland Mapping of Chhimtuipui district, Mizoram
The Wasteland Mapping for Chhimtuipui district was carried out under the national Phase V programme initiated by the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India, during 1997–99. The project was undertaken by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre with the objective of generating a comprehensive and spatially explicit database on wasteland distribution to support informed planning for land development and ecological restoration in the state.The study employed satellite remote sensing techniques, utilizing IRS-1B imagery acquired through the LISS-II sensor, with thematic mapping carried out at a scale of 1:50,000. Visual interpretation methods were adopted to delineate and classify wasteland categories within the district’s complex terrain, characterized by steep slopes, fragile geology, and intensive land-use practices. The approach ensured consistent identification of degraded land units across varying physiographic conditions.The analysis reveals that shifting cultivation remains the predominant contributor to wasteland formation in the district, with both active (current jhum) and fallow (abandoned jhum) areas forming a substantial proportion of the degraded landscape. In addition, degraded notified forest lands were identified, reflecting the cumulative impact of anthropogenic pressures such as repeated clearing, shortened fallow cycles, and unsustainable resource extraction. The spatial distribution of these categories highlights a clear pattern of land degradation linked to traditional agricultural practices under increasing demographic and environmental stress.The project generated district-level thematic maps and associated spatial datasets that provide a clear representation of wasteland extent and distribution. These outputs form a critical baseline for understanding the dynamics of land degradation and for prioritizing intervention areas.A key outcome of the study is the formulation of land-specific reclamation and management strategies aimed at enhancing productivity while ensuring ecological sustainability. Based on land capability assessment, a range of interventions has been recommended, including silvipasture development, afforestation and silviculture, horticultural plantations, agro-horticulture systems, and improved agricultural practices. These measures are designed to stabilize degraded slopes, restore vegetative cover, and optimize land use in accordance with local environmental conditions.Overall, the study provides a scientifically robust framework for wasteland management in Chhimtuipui district. The integration of geospatial analysis with practical land-use recommendations makes this report a valuable resource for planners, policymakers, and development agencies in designing targeted programmes for sustainable land resource management and long-term ecological resilience in Mizoram.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1B (1995)Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: July, 1999
Wasteland Mapping of Lunglei District, Mizoram
The Wasteland Mapping Project for Lunglei district was undertaken as part of the nationwide Phase V programme initiated by the National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Department of Space, Government of India, during 1997–99. The project aimed to generate a systematic spatial database on wasteland distribution to support scientific planning for land resource development and ecological restoration. In Mizoram, the study was carried out by the Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre under the Science, Technology & Environment Cell, Planning Department, in coordination with NRSA, Hyderabad.The primary objective of this district-level study was to identify, delineate, and quantify wasteland categories within Lunglei district (4,536 sq km) using satellite remote sensing techniques. The analysis was based on visual interpretation of IRS-1B LISS-II geocoded False Colour Composites (FCCs) acquired in 1995 at a scale of 1:50,000, supplemented by ground truth verification, Survey of India topographical sheets, and ancillary data. This approach enabled accurate mapping of degradation amid steep slopes, high rainfall (2,817 mm annual average, peaking August at 506 mm), and Surma Group geology (sandstone, shale, siltstone).The study identified shifting cultivation (jhum) as the dominant wasteland category, comprising current jhum (205.76 sq km; 4.54% of district area) and abandoned jhum/scrub (494.74 sq km; 10.91%), alongside degraded notified forest land (33.01 sq km; 0.73%; e.g., Khawnglung Reserved Forest). Total wastelands spanned 733.51 sq km (16.17%). These reflect jhum-driven erosion, nutrient depletion, and forest conversion in central-southern Mizoram's terrain.The project generated detailed thematic maps and a digital vector database, providing a baseline for land degradation dynamics and priority interventions. A key component was site-specific reclamation strategies tailored to slope, acidic soils (pH 4-6.5), and location: silvipasture (e.g., Ficus hirta, Stylosanthes spp.) on hilltops; sericulture (Morus indica); silviculture (Tectona grandis); horticulture (Citrus spp., Musa spp.); agro-horticulture with Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT); and wetland rice via irrigation.The findings offer policymakers and agencies a geospatial framework for sustainable development, optimizing resources and mitigating jhum impacts in Lunglei district. Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1B (1995)Thematic sub-category: Wasteland, Spatial Planning Collaborating/Funding Agency: National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), HyderabadReport Publication Month/Year: July, 1999
Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Part of Lunglei District, Mizoram
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
Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Part of Chhimtuipui District, Mizoram
The report “Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Part of Chhimtuipui District” presents a comprehensive geospatial assessment of natural resources and land-use conditions within selected watershed areas of Chhimtuipui District, Mizoram, with the objective of developing integrated action plans for sustainable development using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Undertaken as part of the nationwide IMSD programme initiated by the Department of Space, Government of India, the study aims to demonstrate how multi-thematic spatial datasets derived from satellite imagery and field surveys can support systematic planning of natural resources and guide development interventions in ecologically fragile hill environments. The project was implemented in Mizoram by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) with technical guidance from ISRO and the National Remote Sensing Centre, following standardised methodologies developed under the IMSD framework. The principal objective of the study was to generate detailed thematic information on land resources and environmental conditions of the study area and to integrate these datasets to produce location-specific development strategies. The project utilised satellite imagery interpretation, GIS-based spatial analysis, and ground verification surveys to prepare a series of thematic layers including land use / land cover, slope categories, soil characteristics, hydrogeomorphology, drainage network, groundwater potential zones, transportation network, and settlement distribution. These spatial datasets were further integrated with available socio-economic and meteorological information to evaluate land capability and identify areas suitable for targeted resource management and development activities.Analysis of land use and land cover patterns reveals that a major portion of the study area remains under forest vegetation and secondary regrowth associated with shifting cultivation practices, which dominate the traditional agricultural system in the district. However, the study also identifies significant areas of degraded forest and fallow land resulting from repeated jhum cycles and shortened fallow periods. Agricultural lands occupy comparatively limited areas and are generally confined to valley bottoms and gentle slopes where soil fertility and moisture availability are more favourable. The slope analysis indicates that a large proportion of the terrain falls within moderately steep to steep categories, highlighting the susceptibility of the region to soil erosion and land degradation, particularly where vegetation cover has been disturbed.Hydrogeomorphological interpretation suggests that groundwater potential across much of the study area is moderate to poor due to the rugged terrain and rapid surface runoff typical of the region. Nevertheless, certain geomorphic features such as valley fills, fractured zones, and weathered rock formations were identified as favourable locations for groundwater recharge and small-scale water development. The integration of slope, soil, drainage, and land-use data enabled the delineation of priority zones requiring soil and water conservation interventions, particularly in erosion-prone hill slopes and cultivated areas.Based on the integrated spatial analysis, the project developed a set of sectoral action plans aimed at improving land productivity and environmental sustainability within the watershed. Recommended interventions include afforestation and regeneration of degraded forest areas, promotion of horticulture and agroforestry in suitable upland zones, soil conservation measures such as contour trenching and vegetative barriers on steep slopes, development of fodder resources, and construction of water harvesting structures to enhance groundwater recharge and support small-scale irrigation. These recommendations were prioritised according to resource capability, slope stability, and proximity to settlements to ensure practical implementation and maximum socio-economic benefits.Overall, the IMSD study for Chhimtuipui District demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating satellite remote sensing, GIS analysis, and field surveys in developing scientifically informed action plans for watershed-based development in mountainous regions. The project provides a comprehensive spatial database and planning framework that can guide sustainable management of land, water, and forest resources while supporting rural development initiatives in the district.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D, 1994-1995Thematic sub-category: Land & Water, Geology, Spatial PlanningCollaborating/Funding Agency: NRSC Hyderabad, RRSC Kharagpur & Department of SpaceReport Publication Month/Year: June, 1998
Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Part of Aizawl District, Mizoram
The report “Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) – Part of Aizawl District” presents a comprehensive geospatial assessment of natural resources within the selected watershed areas (Mat, Tuichang, Tiau & Tuipui) and RD block areas (Part of Khawzawl, Thingsulthliah, Aibawk, Serchhip & whole of East Lungdar) of Aizawl District using satellite remote sensing, GIS analysis, and field-based surveys to support integrated and sustainable land-use planning. The primary objective of the study was to generate spatially explicit thematic information on natural resources and socio-economic conditions and to translate these datasets into location-specific action plans aimed at improving land productivity, conserving fragile hill ecosystems, and strengthening rural livelihoods. The project forms part of the nationwide IMSD programme initiated by the Department of Space, Government of India, and implemented in Mizoram by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC) with technical guidance from ISRO and NRSC. The study adopted a multidisciplinary methodology combining satellite image interpretation, GIS-based spatial analysis, and extensive ground verification. Key thematic layers generated for the watershed included land use / land cover, slope, soil characteristics, hydrogeomorphology, drainage patterns, groundwater prospects, settlement distribution, and transport networks. These layers were subsequently integrated with socio-economic and meteorological data to evaluate the natural resource potential of the area and identify constraints affecting agricultural productivity, soil stability, and water availability. The integrated database enabled the delineation of land capability classes and the identification of priority zones for developmental interventions.Analysis of the land use and land cover data indicates that a significant proportion of the study area is under forest vegetation and secondary growth associated with shifting cultivation cycles, reflecting the dominant land-use system practiced in the region. However, the spatial distribution of land cover also highlights the presence of degraded forest patches and fallow areas resulting from shortened jhum cycles. Agricultural land occupies a relatively smaller share of the total area and is largely confined to valley bottoms and gentle slopes where soil depth and moisture conditions are more favourable. The slope analysis reveals that a large portion of the landscape falls within moderate to steep slope categories, underscoring the susceptibility of the terrain to soil erosion and land degradation if appropriate conservation measures are not implemented. Hydrogeomorphological analysis further indicates that groundwater prospects in the watershed are generally moderate to low due to the steep terrain and rapid surface runoff characteristics typical of Mizoram’s hill ecosystems. Nevertheless, specific valley fills, structural depressions, and weathered zones were identified as potential sites for groundwater development and water harvesting structures. The integration of slope, soil, drainage, and land-use information enabled the delineation of erosion-prone areas where soil conservation interventions such as contour bunding, vegetative barriers, and afforestation would be most effective.The project outcomes include a comprehensive set of thematic maps, GIS databases, and an integrated action plan proposing sector-specific interventions. Recommended strategies include afforestation and forest regeneration in degraded hill slopes, horticultural development in suitable upland areas, soil and water conservation measures in erosion-prone zones, fodder resource development to support livestock, and the construction of water harvesting and small irrigation structures to improve water availability. These recommendations were prioritised based on resource capability, slope stability, and proximity to settlements to maximise socio-economic benefits for local communities.Overall, the IMSD study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating remote sensing and GIS technologies with field-level information to generate scientifically informed development plans for fragile hill environments. The project establishes a spatial baseline for natural resource management in the study area and provides actionable recommendations that can guide sustainable watershed development and rural planning initiatives in Aizawl 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: August, 1996