GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF WASTELAND CHANGE IN SRI POTTI SRIRAMULU NELLORE DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

A wide range of applications requires a detailed mapping of wasteland changes at a regional scale. Data on wastelands in the form of maps and statistics are needed for spatial planning and management. In the present study, the extent and changes in wastelands are evaluated during 2006-2016 in Sri Potti Sriramulu (SPS) Nellore district. Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) data pertaining to Kharif, Rabi and Zaid seasons have been used for interpretation of wastelands during 2005-06, 2008-09, and 2015-16. Twelve wasteland categories were identified and delineated using on-screen visual image interpretation techniques in GIS environment. The geographical extent of wastelands was spread over constitute about 2433 sq. km (18.42%) in 2005-06, 2304 sq. km (17.44%) in 2008-09, and 2045 sq. km (15.48%) in 2015-16. It is observed that there is a reduction in the extent of wastelands during 2006-16 by an area of about 388 sq. km (2.93%). There is a considerable change in the extents of open scrub, dense scrub and scrub forest area; whereas little changes are observed in sands, barren rocky and other wasteland categories. The decreased in the district's wasteland areas can be attributed to the implementation of various developmental initiatives. They include watershed development, industrial development and the influence of the industrial corridors in the district.