Watershed management on land use/land cover dynamics in semi-arid watershed, Central India

Integrated watershed management (IWSM) was implemented to address issues of poverty and land resource degradation in the Kanera watershed, in semi-arid Central India (Madhya Pradesh), an area known for poverty and resource degradation. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of IWSM on the land use and land cover dynamics during 2001-2011 period. The change in land use and cover was assessed by integrating remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). Integrating remote sensing (IRS) multi-spectral and temporal data have been utilized for land use/land cover mapping through visual interpretation, which led to the identification of eight land use/land cover categories. Rainfall data for 1986-2011 period was statistically analyzed to know the variation. The comparative analyses of land use/land cover from 2001 to 2011 satellite data reveal that significant positive changes have occurred within the watershed under major land use/land cover categories. The transformation of land use from one pattern to another is due to implementation of IWSM programme which has brought unproductive lands under the cropland category by reclaiming wasteland and uncultivated land. The study also confirms the importance of IWSM that is a key to improve the land use/cover of watershed, which contributes to sustainable development besides improving the livelihood of the local community.