Natural Resources Mapping of Mamit District using Remote Sensing and GIS

The Natural Resources Mapping of Mamit 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, as part of the Natural Resources Mapping of Mizoram project funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong. The study forms one phase of a state-wide geospatial resource inventory programme initiated in 2004 to develop an integrated spatial database for sustainable natural resource management using Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), GPS surveys, and field investigations. The principal objective was to generate standardized thematic maps and digital databases to support scientific planning, conservation, and sustainable utilization of land and water resources while facilitating informed decision-making by government departments and development agencies.

The project covers the entire Mamit District, occupying approximately 3,025.75 sq. km, making it one of the largest districts in Mizoram. IRS-1D LISS-III and Panchromatic satellite imagery, Survey of India topographic maps, geological and meteorological information, soil surveys, and extensive field verification were integrated within a GIS environment to prepare detailed thematic layers on transport and settlements, drainage, watershed boundaries, groundwater potential, geology, geomorphology, slope, aspect, elevation, land use/land cover, and soils. These datasets were subsequently synthesized to formulate district-specific action plans for land and water resource development.

The study reveals that Mamit District is characterized by rugged hill terrain, with north-south trending ridges dissected by major river systems including the Tlawng, Teirei, Tut, Langkaih, Mar and Khawthlangtuipui Rivers. Terrain analysis indicates that steep and moderately steep slopes dominate much of the district, limiting the availability of land suitable for intensive agriculture while increasing susceptibility to soil erosion. Aspect analysis further highlights that eastern- and western-facing slopes together account for nearly one-third of the district, reflecting the characteristic structural orientation of the hill ranges and providing valuable information for agricultural planning, horticultural development, and watershed management.

Land use and land cover assessment demonstrates that forests and bamboo forests constitute the dominant land cover, reflecting the district's rich natural vegetation. However, substantial areas remain under current and abandoned shifting cultivation (jhum), indicating the continued dependence of local communities on traditional agricultural practices. The study also records expanding horticultural plantations and agricultural activities in suitable valley lands and gentle slopes, illustrating an increasing transition towards more permanent and sustainable land-use systems. Groundwater potential mapping identifies distinct zones of varying groundwater prospects, providing a scientific basis for locating future groundwater development, while detailed soil investigations reveal predominantly acidic hill soils with moderate to high organic matter but varying fertility and erosion susceptibility depending on topographic conditions.

A major outcome of the project is the development of an integrated natural resources information that combines multiple thematic datasets within a GIS framework to support evidence-based planning. Based on the spatial analysis, the report proposes comprehensive action plans emphasizing watershed development, rainwater harvesting, soil and water conservation, afforestation, agroforestry, horticultural expansion, sustainable agriculture, and scientific land capability-based planning. These recommendations are designed to optimize resource utilization while minimizing environmental degradation.

Overall, the project demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS, and field-based investigations for comprehensive natural resource assessment in mountainous regions. The geospatial database, thematic maps, and development plans generated under the study provide an invaluable reference for planners, researchers, resource managers, and policymakers, supporting sustainable development and long-term management of Mamit District's land and water resources. 

Summarized Metadata

Mapping Scale: 1:50,000

Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D PAN & LISS III (2003 & 2004) – Digital & Photo print

Thematic sub-category: Land Use/Land Cover, Geology, Water resource, Climate, Action Plan 

Collaborating/Funding Agency: North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong

Report Publication Month/Year: September, 2005