Natural Resources Mapping of Serchhip District using Remote Sensing and GIS

The Natural Resources Mapping of Serchhip 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 programme sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong. Implemented as part of a three-year state-wide geospatial resource inventory project, the study aimed to develop a comprehensive spatial database of Serchhip District through the integration of Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), GPS-based field surveys, and conventional resource investigations. The project sought to generate reliable thematic information for sustainable management of land, water, forests, and other natural resources while supporting scientific planning across multiple development sectors.

The study covers the entire Serchhip District, occupying approximately 1,421.60 sq. km, or about 6.75% of the geographical area of Mizoram. Multi-date IRS-1D LISS-III and Panchromatic satellite imagery, Survey of India topographic maps, geological and meteorological records, soil surveys, and extensive field verification were integrated within a GIS environment to prepare detailed thematic layers on land use/land cover, geology, geomorphology, drainage, watershed boundaries, groundwater potential, soils, slope, aspect, settlements, and transport networks. These datasets were subsequently synthesized to formulate integrated land and water resource development plans for the district.

The assessment reveals that Serchhip District is characterized by rugged structural hill ranges, deeply dissected valleys, and a well-developed drainage network that strongly influences land capability and resource utilization. Forests continue to dominate the landscape, with bamboo forests representing the largest single land-use category, reflecting the district's rich forest resources and ecological significance. The report also documents the widespread occurrence of young abandoned shifting cultivation (jhum) lands, which form one of the major land-use categories, indicating the continued influence of traditional shifting cultivation on the landscape. Current shifting cultivation occupies about 66.60 sq. km (4.68%) of the district area, while permanent agriculture and horticultural plantations are gradually expanding in suitable valleys and gentle hill slopes, demonstrating an ongoing transition towards more sustainable land-use systems.

Groundwater investigations indicate that moderate groundwater potential covers approximately 459.54 sq. km (32.33%) of the district, whereas the remaining higher hill regions generally possess poor groundwater prospects because of steep terrain, rapid surface runoff, and limited infiltration. Soil investigations identified predominantly acidic hill soils with moderate to high organic matter content but varying fertility and erosion susceptibility depending on slope and land use. The watershed-based analysis further identifies priority areas requiring soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and integrated watershed management.

A major outcome of the project is the establishment of a district-level natural resources information integrating all thematic datasets within a GIS platform for spatial analysis and planning. Based on the integrated assessment, the report recommends watershed development, afforestation, bamboo resource management, agroforestry, horticultural expansion, groundwater development, and land capability-based planning to promote sustainable utilization of natural resources while minimizing environmental degradation. The study also highlights the importance of scientific management of bamboo resources in view of the impending gregarious bamboo flowering (Mautam), emphasizing opportunities for value addition, conservation, and rural livelihood enhancement.

Overall, the project demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS, and field investigations for comprehensive natural resource assessment in mountainous environments. The thematic maps, digital databases, and development plans generated under the study provide an invaluable reference for government departments, planners, researchers, and development agencies, supporting evidence-based planning and the long-term sustainable management of Serchhip District's natural 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: March, 2007