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 Metadata

Mapping Scale: 1:50,000

Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D, 1994-1995

Thematic categories: Multi-thematic 

Collaborating/Funding Agency: NRSC Hyderabad, RRSC Kharagpur & Department of Space

Report Publication Month/Year: August, 1996