Interfacing remote sensing and GIS methods for sustainable rural development

Remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) are two important tools in developmental planning. This study demonstrates their application in sustainable rural development planning especially for people at the grass root level, the farmers, in the Bahal-Singhani area of Bhiwani district, Haryana, in north-western India. A holistic approach was adopted considering the production and the conservation functions of the ecosystem. Remotely sensed data were utilized to assess the natural resources of the area. A thorough analysis of climatic, socio-economic and natural resources conditions was made. A set of rules was formulated and all the information was integrated to prepare realistic action plans. These action plans have found wide acceptance due to their practicability and soundness.