Volume 27, Issue 2
DOI: 10.53555/03276716.2018.1074
Improved Decision making in Natural resource sustainability using Geostatistical Techniques and Remote Sensing: A case study of Yamunanagar District
Abstract
Sustainable management of natural resources requires reliable data, advanced analytical approaches, and informed decision-making tools. This study demonstrates the application of geostatistical techniques and remote sensing for assessing the status and dynamics of natural resources in Yamuna Nagar district, Haryana. Located in the Shivalik foothills and Yamuna floodplain, the district exhibits diverse ecological features, including forest ecosystems, rivers, and agroforestry plantations. Multi temporal Landsat satellite data (2009 and 2018) were processed using GIS and digital image processing techniques to generate land use/land cover maps and quantify changes in forest and river systems. The analysis reveals significant forest depletion, with the forest area declining from 251.3 sq. km in 2009 to 145.6 sq. km in 2018, indicating a net loss of 107.8 sq. km. In contrast, river area expanded from 9.9 sq. km to 17.9 sq. km over the same period, reflecting both hydrological variability and anthropogenic influences such as sand deposition and land use changes. Geospatial tools such as supervised classification, raster-vector conversion, and change detection analysis were effectively applied to track resource depletion patterns and evaluate management strategies. The results highlight key drivers of resource degradation, including deforestation, land conversion, and climatic variability. The study emphasizes the role of geospatial technology in supporting evidence-based decision-making for natural resource sustainability by enabling precise monitoring, mapping, and evaluation. Recommendations are proposed for strengthening conservation policies, promoting agroforestry, and integrating GIS-based planning into regional development strategies. This case study underscores the importance of remote sensing and geostatistical approaches as powerful tools for ensuring sustainable resource use in rapidly transforming landscapes.
Keywords
Sustainability, Remote Sensing, Geostatistical Techniques, Natural resource.