Wastelands of Mizoram - Champhai district
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
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
Vulnerability analysis of cyclone in Mizoram
The Vulnerability Analysis of Cyclone in Mizoram State was executed by the State Remote Sensing Centre (SRSC), Science, Technology & Environment Wing, Planning Department, Government of Mizoram, Aizawl. Stemming from a Hazard Mapping meeting on April 13, 2004, chaired by the Secretary, Relief & Rehabilitation, the project was funded by the Relief & Rehabilitation Department., Government of Mizoram.Covering Mizoram (21,087 sq km) strategically bordered by Bangladesh (west) and Myanmar (east/south), featuring NNW-SSE trending ridges with humid tropical climate (250–350 cm annual rainfall and temparatures ranging from 11–31°C, the study analyzed cyclone impacts using 20-year records (1985–2004) from eight districts (Mamit, Kolasib, Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saiha) and 2001 Census data.The methodology integrated IRS LISS-III FCC visual interpretation, SOI topographical maps for physiographic parameters (location: ridge/hill-top/slope/valley; aspect: N/NE/E/SE/S/SW/W/NW; altitude: 0–500/501–1,000/>1,001 m), and ArcInfo GIS for vulnerability zoning: low (0–3 events), medium (4–6), high (≥7). Of 828 villages/towns/wards, 450 (54.4%) were low vulnerability, 243 (29.3%) medium, and 135 (16.3%) high.District-wise observation and analysis showed that Saiha topped high vulnerability (23/77 wards; 29.87%), followed by Lunglei (52/185; 28.11%), Lawngtlai (16/139; 11.51%), Champhai (12/85; 14.12%), Aizawl (15/160; 9.38%), Kolasib (11/52; 21.15%), Mamit (4/87; 4.6%), Serchhip (2/43; 4.65%). Locationally, ridge/hill-tops dominated high vulnerability (e.g., 82.69% in Lunglei; 93.33% in Aizawl), vs. slopes (20.17% overall) and valleys (18.24%). Altitude-wise, high vulnerability peaked at 501–1,000 m (56/135; 41.5%) and >1,001 m (45; 33.3%). Aspect vulnerabilities varied throughout the locations e.g., NW highest in Lunglei (23.07%), E in Kolasib (54.55%). Cyclones (post/pre-monsoon tails from Bay of Bengal; est. Saffir-Simpson scale 2–3: 43–58 m/s) caused house/powerline/road/crop/livestock damage, exacerbated by Assam-type/thatched/tin-roof structures on exposed saddles/ridges.The project produced thematic maps, tables (village/ward/district/aspect/altitude-wise), and a cyclone database, marking SRSC's first disaster management effort. Outputs enable risk-based planning: prioritize retrofitting high-vulnerability ridge-tops (>501 m), enforce cyclone-resistant designs (sloping roofs at 33:10, J-bolts/anchors/bracing/bands, leeward sites, windbreaks like tree belts), avoid saddles/protrusions, and integrate into mitigation cycles (preparedness/response/recovery).Recommendations from the project outputs emphasize wind-loading standards, RCC slabs, reinforced walls/frames, minimal projections, and firm foundations against torrential rains, fostering resilient infrastructure amid Mizoram's frequent moderate cyclones.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS LISS III (2003)Thematic sub-category: Disaster managementCollaborating/Funding Agency: Relief & Rehabilitation Department, Govt. of MizoramReport Publication Month/Year: December, 2004
Urban sprawl study of Aizawl city
The Urban Sprawl Study of Aizawl City was undertaken by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Department of Space, Government of India, Umiam, Meghalaya, in collaboration with Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MIRSAC), Aizawl, and completed in October 2004.The primary objective was to analyze temporal urban expansion (1975–2003), map land use/land cover, assess growth patterns against the Aizawl Master Plan (2002), and identify site suitability zones for future planned development amid topographic constraints (steep slopes 20°–40°+, elevation 950–1155 m, young sedimentary terrain). Covering 128.98 sq km (23°39'–24°50'N, 92°39'–92°47'E), the study employed visual/digital interpretation of multi-temporal satellite data: Landsat MSS (1981), IRS-1C LISS-III/PAN merged (1998, 2002), and Resourcesat-1 LISS-III (2003), registered to 1:25,000 scale topographic sheets (84A/9–14) with ground truth verification.Built-up area expanded from 649.53 ha (1975) to 2,051.55 ha (2003): +667.27 ha (1975–1981; +102.77%), +615.52 ha (1981–1998; +31.85%), +119.23 ha (1998–2003; +5.8%). Growth trended ribbon-like along NH-54, state highways (north, south, east, west directions), incorporating fringes like Durtlang Leitan, Vaivakawn, Tanhril; population surged from 31,740 (1971) to 235,138 (2001), outpacing areal growth and indicating vertical intensification. Dominant land covers include built-up (urban/rural residential/mixed), agriculture (permanent crops, current/abandoned jhum), forest (evergreen/deciduous/bamboo), wasteland (scrub/barren/degraded/quarry), water bodies (streams/springs, e.g., Chite River).GIS database integrated spatial (DEM-derived slope, transport, water bodies) and non-spatial data (ward-wise census 1981–2001, household surveys on amenities: 70% spring-dependent water, variable school/medical access).Site suitability zoned via weighted overlay (slope <20°/elev. <400 m prioritized; road buffer <200 m; wasteland proximity; water <50 m): Zone I (highly suitable: low slope/elev., near roads/water/wasteland), Zone II (moderately: 20°–40°/400–800 m), Zone III (unfavorable: >40°/>800 m). Suggests decongesting core via fringe development, aligning partially with Master Plan but revising northern high-slope areas for water scarcity/erosion risks.Findings envisages to aid planners in mitigating congestion, water scarcity, erosion; emphasize road-aligned, low-slope growth with infrastructure (vertical limits, springs harnessing) for sustainable expansion.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:25,000Satellite data & Year: Landsat MSS (1981), IRS-1C (1998-2022), Resourcesat-1 (2003)Thematic sub-category: Land Resources (Urban)Collaborating/Funding Agency: North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), UmiamReport Publication Month/Year: October, 2004
Village Level Passion Fruit Site Suitability Maps of Champhai and Kolasib Horticultural Circles, Mizoram State
The project “Village Level Passion Fruit Site Suitability Maps of Champhai and Kolasib Horticultural Circles, Mizoram State” was undertaken under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in North Eastern States to operationalize earlier passion fruit suitability analysis at village scale. Its main objective was to generate detailed, village-level maps showing sites suitable for purple and yellow passion fruit within current jhum areas, and to prioritize these sites for phased orchard expansion based on biophysical and accessibility criteria.Focusing on Champhai (Khawzawl division) and Kolasib (Aizawl division) horticultural circles, the study translates remote sensing– and GIS-based suitability analysis into practical decision-support products for field implementation. Champhai, a high-elevation circle with 19 villages, already accounts for more than 80% of Mizoram’s passion fruit and grape area and is targeted for expansion of the indigenous purple variety. Kolasib, with 12 villages at comparatively lower elevation and gentler slopes, is earmarked for introducing the yellow variety, whose fruiting season complements that of the purple variety to enable near year-round supply.Methodologically, the project builds on IRS-1D LISS-III imagery and DEM-derived terrain layers (elevation, slope, aspect) used earlier to map current jhum and compute a passion fruit site suitability index. Current jhum areas were delineated using their distinct spectral signatures, and each jhum patch was characterized in terms of terrain parameters. The passion fruit suitability index, derived from agronomic package of practices and calibrated using existing orchards, was applied to identify suitable patches, which were then further stratified as Priority I and Priority II based on cluster size and proximity to settlements, roads, and drainage. All results were compiled into village-level maps and tables for both circles.Key outcomes show that in Champhai circle, a subset of the mapped current jhum (previously quantified at about 4,900–6,700 ha) is highly suitable for purple passion fruit, with approximately 600–630 ha identified as suitable and subdivided into higher-priority and secondary-priority clusters across villages such as Champhai–Tuipui, Selam–Lungphunlian, Hnahlan, and Mualkawi. In Kolasib circle, about 4,000 ha of current jhum were analyzed, and roughly one-third to half of this area was found suitable for yellow passion fruit, with prominent potential in villages such as Phainuam–Saiphai, Saikhawthlir–Bungthuam, Bairabi, Bilkhawthlir, and N. Thingdawl. These metrics confirm a significant, spatially clustered resource base for passion fruit-based horticultural expansion without further forest clearing.The project demonstrates that combining IRS LISS-III data, DEM-based terrain analysis, and GIS at village boundary level can produce actionable maps for crop-specific land-use planning in complex hill environments. The resulting village atlases of Priority I and II sites provide a concrete framework for targeting orchard expansion, extension, and infrastructure investments (roads, water, processing) under the Technology Mission. In doing so, the work offers a replicable model for using remote sensing and GIS to guide the transition of jhum lands into sustainable, high-value horticulture in Mizoram and similar regions.Summarized MetadataMapping Scale: 1:50,000Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D - LISS III & IRS WiFS (2002)Thematic sub-category: Horticulture Collaborating/Funding Agency: Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India; Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad; Horticulture Department, Govt. of MizoramReport Publication Month/Year: May, 2003