Resource Constraint Mapping in Mansa District, Punjab (India) using Remotely Sensed Data
V. K. Verma, Charanjit Singh, Rajiv Chopra and P. K. Sharma
Punjab Remote Sensing Centre
P. A. U. Campus, Ludhiana 141004
India
Abstract
The nature, magnitude and spatial distribution of the problem areas can be assessed and monitored using remotely sensed data. Considering the immense potential of this technique, an attempt has been made to map physical, chemical and hydrological constraints in Mansa district of Punjab (India) which will be useful for preparing conservation and management plans for sustainable development. In the present study multidate remotely sensed data both in the form of aerial photographs and satellite image were interpreted visually for mapping soils and for obtaining a near real time information on flood inundation. Various thematic maps were integrated to prepare a constraint map. The study revealed that about 8.05% of the total area is under physical constraints i.e. sandy soils (sand dunes) whereas 1.38% area suffers from chemical constraints i.e. soil salinity and/or alkalanity and 6.41% of area suffers from hydrological constraints i.e. seasonal flooding and water logging. The area under both chemical and hydrological constraints comes out to be 0.11%. The study indicates that location specific measure like provision of new drains in areas susceptible to water logging and flooding, levelling and stabilisation of sand dunes, conjunctive use of surface and ground water, reclamation of salt affected lands, adopting salt tolerant crops, plantation of orchards and forest species, is the solution to these grave problems. On the basis of this study large scale photography of the area is recommended for preparing topographical maps with 2 meter contour interval.
1. Introduction
Accurate and reliable information on distribution of earth resources and the constraints is essential for preparation and execution of sustainable development programmers. The advent of remote sensing has opened new vistas for mapping and monitoring of natural resources (Karale et al 1985, Biswas 1987 and Kudrat et al 1992). The remote sensing technology is being widely used for mapping degraded lands in India (Sharma et al 1986, Teotia et al 1980, Manchanda and Iyer 1983, Sehgal and Sharma 1988 and Sehgal et al 1988 and Sehgal et al 1988). However, no attempt has been made to prepare a consolidated map showing the geographical locations and spatial distribution of different types of degraded lands for sustainable development in Mansa district. The study area experiences various problems like thick sand cover (sand dunes) in large area, poor retention of water and nutrients in coarse textured soils, soil salinity and/or alkanity, water logging and flooding. The area, being saucer shaped with no connection with Ghaggar river, also experiences local flooding. In view of this an attempt has been made to identify and demarcate the physical, chemical and hydrological constraints in Mansa district, Punjab (India).
2. Data Used
The black and white aerial photographs of March, 1988 on 1:50,000 scale and IRS-1A LISS II geocoded FCC (Oct., 1992 and March, 1993) generated from bands 2,3 and 4 were used for soil mapping. The IRS 1A LISS I FCC of July 1993 was interpreted to map the extent of flooding. The Survey of India topographical maps pertaining to the area were used to prepare base maps.
3. Methodology
The aerial photographs were interpreted using mirror stereoscope. Simultaneously, geocoded PCC (Oct., 1992 and March, 1993) were also interpreted visually. A detailed - reconnaissance soil survey of the area was undertaken following the methodology out lined in Soil Survey Manual (All India Soil and Land Use Survey, 1992). The morphological description and physico-chemical characteristics of the soils were correlated with physiography and a soil-physiography relationship was established. The final soil map was prepared on 1:50,000 scale. In order to map the flood inundated areas, the IRS-1A LISS I FCC of July 1993 were interpreted visually. The flood map prepared by Punjab Remote Sensing Centre during Sept. 1988 was also used to prepare a combined flood map of 1988 and 1993 showing the flood prone areas in the district. The physiography, soil and flood maps were integrated to come out with a constraint map of the area.
