Abstract:
Forest resources are vital repositories of biodiversity, providing essential ecosystem services that
sustain life. This study emphasises on identifying potential sites for afforestation in the lower
Umtrew basin of Assam, a region that has been experiencing severe degradation due to
injudicious human activities, particularly the conversion of forested land into agricultural areas.
The research employs Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques in preparing various
thematic layers, viz. forest cover, agricultural land (both cropped and fallow), built-up areas,
barren land, waterbodies, slope, transport, and drainage networks. These layers are prepared
using IRS LISS III satellite imagery of 2016 following visual interpretation methods. A site
suitability model is developed in the GIS platform. The final afforestation suitability map was
generated using an intersect operation, with potential sites identified. The village layer was then
overlaid on the map to assess village-wise distribution of suitable areas. Results revealed 22.5
km² of land as highly suitable for afforestation, with key areas found within the Aprikola reserve
forest and the Marakdola Non-Cadastral (NC) village, where Maradola reserve forest is located.
Other sites identified are Amsing NC, Bozra NC, Tamulikuchi NC, Niz Panbari No.2, and
Chandrapur Bagicha. Thus, this study will serve as a baseline work for targeted afforestation and
forest restoration efforts supporting ecosystem rehabilitation and sustainable land management
practices. |
Cite this Article: [Deka Dhanjit, Dr., " SITE SUITABILITY SPATIAL MODELLING USING GIS TECHNOLOGY FOR AFFORESTATION IN LOWER UMTREW BASIN, ASSAM." International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research 2.3 (2017): 2709-718] |
International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
