STUDY OF DESERTIFICATION PROCESS IN ARAVALLI ENVIRONMENT USING REMOTE-SENSING TECHNIQUES

The Aravalli environment in the vicinity of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India presents a clear picture of environmental degradation. This paper presents the study of the phenomenon occurring between the years 1975-1988. The approach adopted here uses remote sensing as a tool for the study of desertification using data from Landsat and IRS-1A (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite). First the satellite imagery of the area is interpreted using visual interpretation techniques. Next, some distinct features from this analysis are identified and are verified with the ground-truth collected by visiting the study area site. Finally, digitial image processing has been carried out using an Earth Resources Data Analysis System (ERDAS) to quantify the temporal changes. A rigorous data analysis yields the extent of the environmental degradation which appears to be quite alarming. Severe depletion in the area under the water and vegetation covers and accordingly an increase in the saline and aeolinous areas have been observed.