REMOTE-SENSING APPLICATION IN MONITORING LAND-USE CHANGES IN ARID RAJASTHAN

Land-use changes in various parts of arid Rajasthan were identified an d mapped on reconnaissance, semi-detailed and detailed levels using mu ltidate remotely-sensed data, supported with field check and secondary informations. During the last three decades the net sown area in arid Rajasthan has increased by 36 per cent while current and long fallows have declined by 29 and 41 per cent, respectively. The net irrigated area has increased by 140 per cent. Forest and pastures become highly degraded although their areas have increased to some extent. Land-use changes that occurred during the 1979 and 1990 floods are also discuss ed. In addition, the advantages and limitations of remote sensing and their comparison with traditional methods are also highlighted.