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Remote Sensing and GIS for sustainable forest management plan - A case study of bichhua forest range, Chhindwara district(M.P.)
Subhan Khan, S. Rehan Ali and M. Asif.
National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies
New Delhi-110012
Abstract
Area-wise planning needs a concerted effort to arrive at
a decision for any development activity incorporating all limiting and
de-limiting factors, their correlation and interaction. The basic need in any
planning exercise is to have a well-defined database. For this, remote-sensing
data plays an important role because of its wide coverage and unbiased
representation. An attempt has been made in the paper to monitor and record data
as well as to have a systematic understanding of the forest resource base.
Mapping and monitoring of forest cover for effective management of Bichhua
forest range along the Pench River was carried out. The study area of Bichhua
range lies within the latitude range 21°37´ to 21°52´ N and longitude range 78°
59´ to 79°15´ E. It falls in the district of Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh.
Multi-date images of March and Oct/Nov 1989 and 1992 as well as multi-sensors,
i.e. both Land-sat TM and IRS LISS II data, have been used for the purpose.
Twenty maps on various themes were prepared for sustainable forest management of
the area. Five maps were selected for this paper to understand the management
and planning for development of the forest. PC ARC/INFO, ARCVIEW, GIS softwares
were used to prepare the maps for monitoring of forest cover. Findings and
conclusions of the study are presented in the paper. The area is largely covered
by Deccan Basalt and altered gneissic rocks exposed along the river valleys,
which cut through the thick basalt layers. The NW and SW parts of the range have
a thicker alluvium developed by the weathering of basalt as well as the alluvium
brought by the river. The central, northern and NE are more or less devoid of
soil cover, which acts as recharge surface by infiltration.
Hydrogeomorphologically, the area is an active zone of recharge as infiltration
from streams and rivers as well as rainfall received during monsoon period is
quite high. Since spatial distribution of groundwater depends on the geomorphic
and hydrological set-up of the area, an indirect approach of
hydrogeomorphological investigation has been followed in the study area. Paper
to be presented in GIS forum, South Asia ’99 an international conference
scheduled to be held during April 15-16, 1999 at Kathmandu, Nepal.
Introduction
Indian civilization and culture grew under the
greenwood trees. Therefore, forest has a major influence on India’s social,
economic, political and philosophical life and development. But the increasing
rate of deforestation is causing a tremendous loss for the country. Information
on loss and existence of forest covers needs to be updated. In this regard, GIS
and Remote Sensing (RS) can play an important role. Not only India, but the
whole world is under the threat of environmental crisis mainly due to
deforestation. Under these circumstances the study of forests for their
sustainable management and planning for development is essential. It is in this
context, the study of Bicchua range of Chhindwara district of M.P., for
preparing a working plan has been under taken.
Study Area
The study area Bichhua
range, fall under the south forest division, which lies within the latitude
range 21?37? to 21?52? N and longitude range 78?59? to 79?15? E. It lies in the
district of Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh. Bichhua range covers 45% of the
Bichhua developmental block of Sausar tehsil. The area covered is 360 sq. km.
The block has 147 villages which, are mostly covered by Deccan Trap basaltic
rock.
Objectives
The aim of the exercise is to monitor and record data as well
as to have a systematic understanding of the forest resource base in the area.
Mapping and monitoring of forest cover for effective management of Bichhua range
along the Pench river was carried out.
Data Sources
- Toposheets of the area
- Public Health Engineering (PHE), Bichhua
- Satelite data-Landsat TM and IRS LISS II
- Census reports
Methodology
The methodology adopted involves
assimilation of GIS techniques by incorporating spatial (thematic maps) and
non-spatial (attribute defined) data for effective utilization and management of
forest resources and to conceptualize an integrated approach to create a forest
information database and remote sensing utilities to arrive at an effective
management model for forest offices and other concerned users and planners.
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