GIS Based Forest Cover Change Analysis of S.P.S.P. Forest Range, Pirpanjal Forest Division, Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

GIS Based Forest Cover Change analysis of S.P.S.P Forest range, Pirpanjal Forest Division, Jammu&Kashmir presents one of the worst examples of forests vandalization in J&K State. The area has been one of the worst affected forest areas in Kashmir valley due to deforestation. The present study shows how forest cover has changed over the period 1994-2004 in the area. The area is located between 74° - 23'E to 74°- 35'E longitude and 33° - 49'E to 34°- 02'E latitude. In this study, Landsat-5 TM digital satellite data pertaining to the year October, 1994 and IRS ID LISS-III digital data pertaining to the year 2004 was used in the assessment of the loss of forest cover in the area. Standard Forest Cover classification system as provided by Forest Survey of India was used in the study. Further, the analysis was conducted using digital classification algorithms in ERDAS Imagine software package. Detailed Ground Truth verification was also conducted and the image characteristics were co-related with the classification results. During Ground verification it was found that the construction material was being illegally transported by the encroachers deep into the forest areas already clear felled during the last two decades. Compartment 16 of the Forest Range was found to be completely clear-felled during the period.