Results & Discussion:
1. Role of RS data in Watershed Planning:
The utility of Remote Sensing Data for management of natural resources is tested and proved for a
micro-level planning ( IMSD guidelines). Different thematic layers ( maps) were
taken which were generated by using IRS- 1B geocoded data pertaining to the area
bearing No. 56 O/2 dated 29
th November 1994 and Landsat TM Geocoded
data bearing No. 56O/2 dated 7 th February 1995 and Survey of India Toposheet of
the same area. The data was utilised for generating different thematic maps like
Landuse, Hydro-geomorphology, Land Capability, Land Irrigability, Soil, Slope,
Rainfall and integrating these an action plan was recommended by APSRAC( Andhra
Pradesh State Remote Sensing Application centre ), Hyderabad and this was
utilised for the purpose.
The Land use details for the study area is as follows:
| AREA UNDER |
AREA IN Sq. km |
| Total watershed area |
67.99 |
| Double cropped |
13.925 |
| Kharif Unirrigated |
29.19 |
| Land with scrub |
16.45 |
| Land without scrub |
2.825 |
| Barren Rocky/ Stony waste/ sheet rock |
2.225 |
| Minning |
0.7 |
| Tanks |
2.2 |
| Settlement |
0.475 |
Soils and its details:
| Unit |
Assoc. of Soil Series |
Area in Sq.Km |
| 2 |
Rocky/Pamnuru(P)/ Nemiligonda(N) |
1.225 |
| 3 |
Rocky/Pallagutta(PG) |
0.3 |
| 5 |
Rajaram ( R ) /Bodabanda( B) |
10.225 |
| 6 |
Nellutla(NL)/ Chagallu(C ) |
25.14 |
| 7 |
Chagalu (c )/Komella( K)/ Kundaram( KU) |
16.875 |
| 8 |
Ghanpur( G)/ Siddenki( S) |
7.7 |
| 9 |
Wadlakonda( w)/ Madduru ( M) |
5.275 |
| 10 |
Tammadapalli(T) / Janagaon(J) |
1.25 |
Recommendations as per RS data:
Based on the integration of different layers obtained from RS data and Topographical maps and socio-economic data the major recommendations given are as follows, the map is shown in ( Fig 1).
| Activity proposed under |
Area in Sq.Km |
Priority |
| Fodder/ Silvipasture |
17.275 |
2 |
| Afforestation |
1.125 |
4 |
| Horticulture and Plantation on Bunds |
10.625 |
3 |
| Contour bunding/ Veg.Barriers/ Rcokfill dams etc Soil Conservation etc |
38.965 |
1 |
2. Feasibility of Proposed Action Plan& Peoples Recommendations:
The role of Project Implementing Agency(PIA) is to prepare an action plan based on the needs of people and
necessities and utilisation of recommendations of the action plan where ever
applicable. So Landuse of the study area for a village is analysed critically.
As knowledge of watershed landuse is important because a record of surface cover
characteristics can be used to refine estimates of the quality, quantity and
timing of water yield in response to a particular precipitation event. In
prioritizing various treatments, it may require updated landuse inputs for
stream flow simulations and optimizing the runoff. For planning at a micro
watershed of 50.00 Sq.Km or 5000 ha , the landuse maps and other thematic maps
obtained by Rs data are very handy as at this level it involves only a tentative
planning but clear identification of the area. The data from the maps and the
area are utililised in this particular case. Collection of same data for the
same area consumes not only time but also manpower. Use of RS data at sub
watershed level is inevitable as data obtained with less time span. But planning
at a micro- watershed level hardly leaves any scope for application of RS data
of lower resolution. This can be utilised for proposing the major land use but
not for selecting a particular treatment. Planning at this level leads to
grounding or establishing field models. The design of any treatment option is
totally based on the location specific details. So the planning made at the
higher level may not suite for the local conditions, and it may force to make
changes in the action plan. The data from IRS IB and LANDSAT Thematic satellite
data have been used to plan drought proofing treatments for Linghal Ghanpur
watershed area.
2.1 Process of Implementation:
The guidelines of the watershed program incorporates some basic features which are to guide all the
implementers in their
Rights,
Responsibilities,
Relationships with institutions and
Resources available. The
people of the watershed are formed into Watershed Association(WA) and nominate a
executive body called Watershed Committee(WC). These Wc’s get technical support
from Watershed Development Team(WDT) , a four member technical team who are
employed by a Project Implementing Agency(PIA). PIA may be a local government
agency or a Non-governmental Organisation(NGO). Each PIA is expected to handle
10 micro-watersheds each covering about 50 to 60 Sq.Km. Funds are allocated
according to the requirements of individual watersheds. Wc’s and WDT’s together
prepare action plan which are approved by the district officers which is the
primary step for execution of the plan. To avoid administrative problems and
political conflicts with the change of landuse the plan for the watershed is
modified. These plans are prepared by Participatory methods by using
conventional way of Planning.
2.2 Comparative Landuse Analysis of Ghan Pur Village
The changes that has occurred over the period of 3 to 4 years is
shown in the maps the changes has occurred due to the increased water
availability which has resulted in drilling(new) or deepening 30 to 40 open or
bore wells in the village. The Fig2 shows the current landuse(1997-98) when the
project is being implemented and Fig2.1 shows the landuse as per IRS data for
the year 1994-95 where the prioritization has taken place.
2.3 Conventional Planning Analysis :
It starts with identification of resources through Participatory methods like Participatory
Rural Appraisal(PRA). In this the people or villagers will be made to
participate in the resource planning by making them to draw the resources and
their priorities and the facilities and the infrastructure available to them.
These will be guided by the technical team or translation of their problems and
suggestions will be done and a refinning of action plan is made and presented
here and the process of mapping is shown in Fig3.PRA photo. The priority of the
villagers is Soil & Moisture conservation, Minor irrigation work
Horticulture,Nursery & pasture Development, Veterinary hospitals, Bus
shelters etc