Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

GEOSPATIAL PLANNING FOR IMPROVED LAND USE SYSTEM IN TROPICAL HILLY TERRAIN : A CASE STUDY OF SERCHHIP DISTRICT, MIZORAM, INDIA

R.K. Lallianthanga and Robert Lalchhanhima Sailo

Abstract

Planning for sustained utilization of natural resources has been the need of the hour for every developing nation. Initiatives taken by the government in this aspect requires reliable qualitative and quantitative information for the planning to be realistic, effective and sustainable in the long run. Geospatial planning has emerged as an effective and reliable platform to assist in this process of developmental planning even at the grassroot level. The present study incorporates Remote sensing and GIS techniques to map the natural resources and to formulate viable land and water resource management plans for improved land use system in tropical hilly terrain which will be more sustainable and productive. The study has been done in the central part of Mizoram, i.e, Serchhip district wherein an integrated approach of land use planning has been devised that encompasses every aspect of land, water and socio-economic component of the district. An integration of these components in a GIS environment has helped in formulation of different suitable land use scenarios with economic and biophysical benefits. The results of this study presents maps with constructive options for land and water resource developments in the study area. This information will be very useful for decision makers to plan according to the schemes and resources available at hand.