Role of remote sensing in resource management for arid regions with special reference to western Rajasthan

The arid region of western Rajasthan is about 20.87 Mha covering 85 blocks of 12 districts of Rajasthan which constitutes 61% of the state, About 38% of the total population of the state with a density of 84 persons per sq km area lives in the arid region of Rajasthan, The constantly increasing human and livestock population is putting tremendous pressure on the. available natural resources, The major problems of the region are: scarcity of water, frequent droughts, land degradation, deteriorating pasture lands and advancement of desert, Therefore, it is essential to explore newer sources of resources as well conserve the existing natural resources: Optimal management of natural resources is of utmost importance in today's context to increase the production of food grains, fodder and develop water resources for meeting the demand., Remote sensing provides timely, reliable and spatially comprehensive data on various natural resources for effective planning, implementation and monitoring, Some of the natural resources problems of the western Rajasthan, use of remote sensing techniques and role of current and future Indian remote sensing programme are highlighted in this paper.