Analysis on land use land cover classification around mysuru and chamarajanagara district karnataka india using irs 1 d pan liss iii satellite data

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976 – 6308 (Print),

ISSN 0976 – 6316(Online), Volume 5, Issue 11, November (2014), pp. 79-96 © IAEME

79

ANALYSIS ON LAND USE/LAND COVER

CLASSIFICATION AROUND MYSURU AND

CHAMARAJANAGARA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA,

USING IRS-1D PAN+LISS-III SATELLITE DATA

Basavarajappa H.T, Dinakar .S, Manjunatha M.C

Department of Studies in Earth Science, Centre for Advanced Studies in Precambrian Geology,

University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570006, India

ABSTRACT

Land is a non-renewable resource and mapping of LU/LC is essential for planning and

development of land and water resources in a region of engineering projects under progress. Land is

an area of the earth surface, which embraces all reasonable stable or predictably cyclic, attribute of

the biosphere including the atmosphere, soil and underlying geology. Hydrology, plant and animal

population are the results of the past and present human activity to the extent that significantly

influences on present and future LU/LC system. Proper management and development of these lands

should be initiated to increase the land productivity, restoration of soil degradation, reclamation of

wastelands, increase the environmental qualities and to meet the needs of rapidly growing population

of the country. Remote Sensing (RS) satellite data with its synoptic view and multispectral data

provides essential information in proper planning of LU/LC conditions of the larger areas. An

attempt have been made to delineate the level-1, level-2 and level-3 LU/LC classification system

through NRSC guidelines (1995) using both digital and visual image interpretation techniques by

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software’s. The classification accuracy is found to be more

in case of digital technique as compared to that of visual technique in terms of area statistics. Efforts

have been made to classify the LU/LC patterns using False Color Composite (FCC) data of IRS-1D

PAN+LISS-III (Band: 2,3,4) through MapInfo v7.5, ArcView v3.2, Erdas Imagine v2011 and

ArcGIS v10. The final results highlight the potentiality of geomatics in classification of LU/LC

patterns around Chamarajanagara district, Karnataka, in natural resource mapping and its

management which is a suitable model for application to similar geological terrain.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY (IJCIET)

ISSN 0976 – 6308 (Print)

ISSN 0976 – 6316(Online)

Volume 5, Issue 11, November (2014), pp. 79-96

© IAEME: www.iaeme.com/Ijciet.asp

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Keywords: LU/LC Classification; Visual & digital interpretation; Chamarajanagara; Mysuru;

Satellite data.

1. INTRODUCTION

Land use systems need thorough systematic monitoring and management to maintain food

security, to minimize deforestation, conservation of biological diversity and protection of natural

resources. It is necessary to enhance human occupation to the changing social, economic and natural

environmental conditions. Rapid increase in population demands for more food, fodder and fuel

wood have led to large scale environment degradation and ecological imbalance. In order to use land

optimally, it is necessary to have firsthand information about the existing land use/land cover

(LU/LC) patterns. Jacks (1946) reviewed land classification as it relates to the grouping of land

according to their suitability for producing plants of economic importance. Land use refers to man’s

activities and the various uses which are carried on land (Clawson and Steward, 1983). Land cover

refers to natural vegetation, water bodies, rock/soils, artificial cover and other resulting due to land

transformation. Land use describes how a parcel of land is used such as agriculture, settlements or

industry, whereas land cover refers to the material such as vegetation, rocks or water bodies that are

present on the surface (Anderson et al., 1976). The term LU/LC is closely related and

interchangeable. LU/LC exposes considerable influence on the various hydrological aspects such as

interception, infiltration, catchment area, evaporation and surface flow (Sreenivasalu and Vijay

Kumar., 2000; Kumar et al., 1999). LU/LC provides a better understanding on the cropping pattern

and spatial distribution of fallow lands, forests, grazing lands, wastelands and surface water bodies,

which is vital for developmental planning (Philip and Gupta, 1990).

2. STUDY AREA

2.a Mysuru district: The study area include Cauvery and Kabini riverine plains flowing towards

south easterly and both joins at Tirumalakudu Narasipura. Most parts of Nanjungudu and Mysuru

taluks show gentle slope and plains with both cultivated seasonal crops such as irrigated and dry

seasonal crops. The southern parts of Mysuru district is traversed by 3 sets of joints-trending in N-S,

NE-SW and E-W direction & 4 sets of lineaments are noticed towards NNE-SSW, NNW-SSE, NE-

SW & E-W. The study area is subjected to F1, F2, and F3 Sargur type of structure, deformational

folds and joints formation in the past.

2.b Chamarajanagara district: The study area represents a part of Biligiri-Rangan Hill Ranges

which belong to an oldest Precambrian hard rock terrain in southern Karnataka (Basavarajappa H.T.,

1992). The eastern portion of the study area forms a hilly terrain with lofty mountains (Biligiri-

Rangan hill ranges) raising about 1677m above MSL, run approximately towards N-S direction with

thick vegetation. The western parts form a plain country with an average elevation of 686.25m with

minor undulations. Honattikal, Chikkangiri betta and Honnamatti betta are some of the important

tracts. The north western region is drained by major river Cauvery & Kabini which flow from west

to east and both the river conflicts at Tirumalkudalu Narsipura. Suvarnavathi and its tributary, Hebba

halla flows from south to north in the central part of the study area, in turn drain into river Cauvery

(Azadhe T. Hejabi and Basavarajappa H.T., 2011).



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The land adjoining the banks of meandering course of the river forms the most fertile and

rich tracts of land, which is cultivated intensively for paddy and coconut. The paleo-channels of the

study are also mapped using satellite data which gives additional information regarding water

bearing zones like hidden aquifers, old river course, fractures and valley fills (Basavarajappa et al.,

2008; 2013; Dinakar S and Basavarajappa H.T., 2005; Satish et al., 2008).

3. LOCATION

The study area lies between 11°45’ to 12°15’N latitude and 76°45’ to 77°15’E longitude with

total areal extent of 3,011 Km2 (Fig.1). The study area includes parts of 9 taluks of Karnataka state

namely Yelandur, Kollegal, Chamarajanagara, Malavalli, Mysuru, Gundlupet, T. Narsipura,

Nanjungudu and small patches of Tamil Nadu region (Sathyamangalam) in the southern and

southeastern parts. Cauvery and Kabini are the two major rivers flowing in the study area in which

Kabini is one of the tributary of River Cauvery.



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4. CLIMATE & RAINFALL

Generally weather is pleasant and the climate is divided into four seasons viz., pre-monsoon

(Jan-Feb), south-west monsoon (May-Sept), north-east monsoon (Oct-Dec) and summer (Mar-

April). The average annual rainfall is 786.8mm (2004) with a major contribution south-west

monsoon (44.45%). The annual minimum rainfall is recorded as 558.07mm (Kavalande rain-gauge

station) while the maximum is 1455.43mm (2010) (Biligiri-Rangan temple rain-gauge station). There

is a continuous rise in temperature attaining a maximum in the month of April and minimum during

December. Wind speed is moderate during south-west monsoon and relative humidity is high

(Dinakar S and Basavarajappa H.T., 2005).

6. METHODS & MATERIALS

6.1 Methodology: LU/LC maps are prepared using satellite image in conjunction with collateral data

like SoI topomaps on 1:50,000 scale by taking permanent features such as road, tanks, co-ordinates,

etc. Visual interpretation of IRS-1D PAN+LISS-III FCC of Band 2,3,4 on 1:50,000 scale is carried



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out and various LU/LC categories are delineated. The satellite data of two seasons is acquired (Rabi

in December 2002 and Kharif in October 2003) to estimate the spatial distribution of LU/LC pattern.

These categorizations are done based on the classification scheme developed by National Remote

Sensing Agency (NRSA, 1995).

6.2 Materials used:

a. Topomaps: 57D/16, 57H/4, 58A/13 and 58E/1.

Source: (SoI, Dehradun).

b. Satellite Data: IRS-1D LISS-III of 23.5m Resolution (March & Nov-2001) and PAN+LISS-III of

5.8m, Date of pass 10-March-2003.

Source: (National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Hyderabad.

c. GIS software’s: Mapinfo v7.5, Arc Info v3.2, Erdas Imagine v2011 and Arc GIS v10.

d. GPS: Garmin 12 is used during Ground Truth Check (GTC).

Fig.3. Flow chart showing the methodology adopted in the preparation of Land use/Land cover map

Classification analysis using Geomatics: Information on land use/land cover is of utmost

importance in hydrogeological investigation as the groundwater regime of a region is influenced by

the type of land use/land cover. Hence the satellite based data is very much useful in preparing the

precise land use/land cover maps in a very short time period as compared to the conventional

methods using Geomatics. LU/LC classes such as built-up land, agricultural land (crop land), fallow

land, plantation, forest (evergreen, deciduous, scrub, etc), wastelands (salt affected land, waterlogged

Satellite data IRS-1D,

LISS-III & PAN+LISS-III

of 2 Season Geocoded

Data Source Collateral data

• SoI toposheet

• Forest Map

Base Map

Image Analysis Classification System

Preliminary Interpreted Map

Image Interpretation

Ground Truth Check

Post Field

Correction/Modification

Final Land use/Land cover Map



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land, gullied/ravinous land, barren rock/stony waste etc), water bodies (rivers, streams, canals, lakes,

etc) are delineated based on the image characteristics like tone, texture, shape, association,

background, etc. The level-1 classification consists of 5 major categories such as built-up land,

agricultural land, forest, wastelands, water bodies and others. These 5 major classes of level-1 are

further divided into sub-categories of level-2; keeping the area under investigation. Level-3

classification has been done in detail on agricultural and forest lands to study the cropping pattern.

Geomatics are the advent high-tech tool that can be used more effectively in natural resources

management using Survey of India (SoI) toposheet, Satellite image with limited Ground Truth Check

(GTC) using GIS software’s (Tiwari A and Rai B., 1996). This helps in analyzing, mapping and

integrating the information database to generate thematic maps for development and management of

natural resources (NRSA, 1995). Digital interpretation and post classification comparison techniques

are adopted to find out the changes among various land uses over a period (Rubee and Thie, 1978;

Likens and Maw, 1982; Priyakant et al., 2001). Lithological formations and geomorphological

landforms are derived by visual image interpretation of IRS-1D PAN+LISS-III of False Color

Composite (FCC) based on the image interpretation elements such as association, pattern, shadow,

shape, size, tone, texture etc., and verified during the field visits. Drainage and slope maps are

digitized using Survey of India (SoI) toposheets of 1:50,000 scale.

7. LEVEL-1 CLASSIFICATION

7.1 Built-up land: These are the land surfaces of man-made constructions due to non-agricultural

use including buildings, transportation network, communication, industrial, commercial complexes,

utilities and services in association with water, vegetation and vacant lands. Collectively, cities,

towns and habitations are included under this category. The total aerial extent of built-up land is

61.71 Km2 (2.05%).

7.1.1 Urban (Towns and Cities): Land used for human settlement of population more than 5000 of

which more than 80% of the work forces are involved in non-agricultural activities is termed as

urban land use. Most of the land covered by building structures is parks, institutions, playgrounds

and other open space within built up areas. The major urban settlements are noticed in

Chamarajanagara, Kollegal and Yelandur taluks. Urban land occupies an area of 9.2 Km2 (0.31%).

7.1.2 Rural (Villages): Land used for human settlement of size comparatively less than the urban

settlement of which more than 80% of people are involved in agricultural activities. Though the total

number of rural settlements in the study area is 601 as per the toposheet information, only 483

villages can be clearly noticed from the satellite data due to less number of houses (less than 10

houses) in a village, inter spread with trees and agriculture fields especially in South Eastern parts of

study area occupied by thick forest with hilly region. The area occupied by this class is about 52.4

Km2 (1.74%).

7.2 Agricultural land: These are the land primarily used for farming, production of food, fiber,

other commercial and horticultural crops. It includes land under crops (irrigated and unirrigated),

fallow, plantations, etc. The area under this category is 2043.21 Km2 (67.85%).

7.2.1 Crop Land: It includes those lands with standing crops as on the date of the satellite data

acquisition. The crops may be either Kharif/Rabi or Kharif and Rabi seasons or double cropped. It

includes land under crops (irrigated and unirrigated), fallow, plantation, etc (NRSA, 1989). The area

under crops have been identified in both during Kharif (June to September) & Rabi seasons (October

to February) are mapped. The land under double crop (land cultivated both during Kharif and Rabi

seasons) have also been mapped and digitized.



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7.2.1.a Kharif: Kharif includes standing crops from June to September in associated with rainfed

crops under dry land farming and limited irrigation. Kharif crops include Jowar, Ragi, Horsegram

and others in the study area. The prospect of Kharif crops mainly depends upon the regularity of

monsoon to some extent on irrigation facilities. The cultivated land of Kharif season on FCC shows

bright red tone. The areas in single crop system with moderately deep to deep soil on nearly level to

very gently sloping with good to moderate groundwater potential/accessible surface water resources

or both can be put into intensive cropping system. This land occupies an area of 1160.64 Km2

(38.54%).

7.2.1.b Double Cropped: This category has been identified and mapped using the two season

satellite images. Most of the double crop areas are concentrated adjacent to the river Cauvery and

Kabini flowing in north-western parts of the study area. The cropping intensity is very high due to

physical factors such as flat terrain, fertile soil and irrigated from canal system. Paddy, Sugarcane,

Groundnut, Sunflower and others are grown in this region. On FCC, the double crop show a dark red

tone with square pattern representing soil covers with higher amount of moisture near the streams.

The water table is found to be at shallow level, indicating the good groundwater prospects. Higher

the growth of natural vegetation; higher will be the groundwater availability. The cultivated land at

elevated zones show bright red tone generally representing the less amount of moisture and deeper



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levels of groundwater prospect indicates the moderate groundwater prospect zones. Intensive

agriculture is seen in north-western and central parts growing multiple crops in sequence on same

land. They are mostly confined to valleys, low lands, alluvial tracts where the groundwater potential

is good. The soils are deep, provide good groundwater yield with maximum nutrient holding

capacity. This category covers an area of 650.35 Km2

(21.60%).



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7.2.2 Fallow land: The agricultural land which is taken up for cultivation but is temporarily allowed

to rest, uncropped for one more season, but less than one year. These are particularly devoid of crops

at the time; when the imagery is taken from both seasons. On FCC, fallow land shows yellow to

greenish blue tone, irregular shape with varying size associated with amidst crop land as harvested

agriculture field. Fallow land are noticed near the villages of Triambakapura, Tavarugottemole,

Mallaipura and Galipura. The total area under this category is 6.01 Km2 (0.2%).

7.2.3 Plantations: These are agricultural land with tree plantation or fruit orchards; planned by

adopting certain agricultural management techniques. It includes mainly Coconut, Mango, Arecanut,

Banana, Mulberry and other horticultural nurseries are noticed in south-western parts around

Chamarajanagara taluk and Southern region. These plantations are undoubtedly considered to be

lucrative as compared to agriculture crops; further no tedious maintenance is required for the

plantation. Huge number of eucalyptus plantation is noticed in south-eastern parts which are covered

by denudation hills. Differentiation of plantation from cropland is possible by multi-temporal data of

period matched harvesting time of inter-row crop/flowering of the plantation crops. Overall, Rabi

season data is found to be better discrimination of plantations from croplands. The total area under

this category is 226.21 Km2 (7.51%).

7.3 Forest: It is an area (within the notified forest boundary) bearing an association predominantly

of trees, other vegetation types capable of producing timer and other forest products. Satellite data

has become useful tool in mapping the different forest types and density classes with reliable

accuracy through visual as well as digital techniques (Madhavanunni, 1992; Roy et al., 1990;

Sudhakar et al., 1992). Forest cover with 40% or move vegetation density (crown cover) is called

dense or closed forest; while between 10-40% of vegetation density is called as scrub whereas <10%

is called as degraded forest. Forests exert influence on climate, water regime and provide shelter for

wildlife and livestock (FAO, 1963). The area under this category is 676.59 Km2 (22.46%).

7.3.1 Evergreen Forest: These are the forest cover comprising thick and dense canopy of tall trees

that predominantly remain green throughout the year. It includes both coniferous and tropical broad

leaf evergreen trees. Semi-evergreen forest is a mixture of both deciduous and evergreen trees,

however the later is predominate. Multi-temporal data and area specificity of forest type helps in

discriminating evergreen forests from other forest classes. Evergreen forest occupies the hilly terrain

on the south-eastern parts of “Biligiri-Rangan Hill Ranges” rises up to 1767m above MSL. The

important species observed in evergreen forest are Sandalwood, Artocarpus hirstus, Maesua

nagassarium, Dipterocarpus indicus, etc. The total area covered by evergreen forest is 194.84 Km2

(28.80%).

7.3.2 Deciduous forest: The forest cover predominantly comprises of deciduous species and the

trees shed their leaves once in a year. Teak, Terminalia and Padauk are some of the economically

important trees noticed in deciduous forest. Type, crown density and composition of forest

vegetation along with degradational stage help in the analysis of deciduous forest vegetation under

acceptable limits of accuracy. These deciduous forests are well intermixed with evergreen forest in

south-eastern parts. Multi-temporal data, particularly during October and March/April seasons help

in their discrimination from other forest types. Medium relief mountain/hill slopes occupies the

north-eastern parts. On FCC, it appears as dark red to red tone mainly due to rich in timber trees like

Teakwood, Rosewood, Honne, Bamboo, etc. The area occupied by this category is 431.43 Km2

(63.77%).

7.3.3 Scrub Forest: Scrub forest is associated with barren rocky/stony waste due to inadequate and

erratic rainfall conditions that brings drought and extreme heat in summer season which preclude

hardly in any profitable forest. Species like eucalyptus and casurina are noticed near Talakad,

Mambetta, Mudukuthorai, Bilijagali mole and at the ridges of the Biligiri-Rangan Hill Range. They

appear as light red to dark brown tone on standard FCC due to canopy covers. The area covered by



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this category is found to be 49.12 Km2 (7.26%).

7.3.4 Forest plantation: It is described as an area of trees with species of forestry and its importance

raised on notified forest lands. These are artificially planted areas with tree cover, either in the open

spaces or by clearing the existing forests for economically inferior species. The common indigenous

and exotic trees of forest plantations are Teak, Sal, Chir-pine, Deodar, Casuarina, Khair and Sisoo.

New and young plantations can be readily separated from contiguous forested areas. Few mass of

artificial planted medicinal plantations are noticed on foot hills of Biligiri-Rangan Hills, Yelandur

road. The area occupied by this class is about 1.20 Km2 (0.04%).

7.4 Wastelands: These are degraded lands which can be brought under vegetative cover with

reasonable effort. These are currently under utilized and deteriorating due to lack of appropriate

water & soil management or on account of natural causes. Wastelands can result from

inherent/imposed disabilities such as locations, environment, chemical and physical properties of the

soil/financial/management constraints (NWDB, 1987). The wasteland mapping is done using the

Survey of India (SoI) toposheet on 1:50,000 scale and Satellite Remote Sensing data (NRSA., 1995).

Thirteen types of wastelands are identified and digitized. The total aerial extent of wasteland covers

about 134.19 Km2

(4.46%).

7.4.1 Salt-affected area: The areas are delineated based on white to light blue tone and its situation.

These are found in river plains and in association with irrigated lands. These are mostly white

kankary soils generally showing high intensity of erosion. These areas are adversely effecting the

growth of most of the plants due to the action or presence of excess soluble or high exchangeable

sodium. These are well observed in the villages of Kudderu, Telukkuru, Ummattur, Heggavaddi,

Dasanapura, Dodda indavadi, Yelandur, Mole and Gumballi. The area occupied by this category is

8.61 Km2 (0.29%).

7.4.2 Gullied land: Gullies are narrow and deep channels developed as a result of weaving away of

soil by running water. Gullies develop from rills which are tiny channels of few centimeters deep,

formed by the impact of rainfall and weaving action of runoff. They are more common on sloping

land and developed by the action of concentrated runoff. In the study area, these lands are noticed in

eroded plains along streams, on sloping surface made of loose sediments adjacent to pediments and

residual hills which are well observed in the villages of Hyakanuru, Adibettalli, Hosahalli,

Vatalupura, Bagali, etc. These areas are having entrenched drainage system, good rainfall and

surface runoff. On FCC, they appears as light yellow to bluish green depending upon the surface

moisture and depth of erosion with varying size. These gullies and ravines contribute to soil erosion

and land degradation. The area under this class is 1.73 Km2 (0.06%).

7.4.3 Land with scrub: Scrub lands are observed along the ridges, valley complex, linear ridges and

steep slope areas. Most of these areas are characterized by the presence of thorny scrub, herb species,

many hillocks of steep and dombal shaped are associated with poor vegetal cover. As a consequence,

severe soil erosion frequently occurs during rainy seasons and later most of the hill tops become

barren/rocky. Large patches are noticed in Mudu betta, Badagalapura, Madumali, Karadi betta and

adjacent to the deciduous forests. These lands are mainly observed in North-Eastern parts of hilly

regions with an aerial extent of 113.29 Km2 (3.76%).

7.4.4 Land without scrub: Land under this class is generally prone to degradation/deterioration and

may not have scrub cover. It is confined to (relatively) higher topography such as uplands or high

grounds etc excluding the hills and mountainous terrain. On FCC, they appear as light yellow to

brown to greenish blue, varying in size associated with gentle relief with moderate slope in plain and

foothills surrounded by agricultural lands. They are observed in the villages of Honnegaudanahalli,

Kalibasavanhundi and Medini with an aerial extent of 3.14 Km2 (0.10%).



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7.4.5 Sandy areas: Sandy areas are developed in situ or transported by Aeolian or fluvial processes.

These occur as a sandy plain in the form of sand dunes, beach sands and dune (wind blown) sands.

Patches of sand bars are noticed along the river Cauvery and meandering areas in the villages of

Kukkur, Talakad, Malingi and Hampapura. Very high reflectivity is observed in all the spectral

bands; particularly the infrared region provides very high confidence level as compared to salt

affected soils. The area occupied by this category is 1.70 Km2 (0.06%).

7.4.6 Stony Waste: These are the lands characterized by exposed massive rocks, sheet rocks, stony

pavements or land with excessive surface, accumulation of stones that render them unsuitable for

production of any green biomass. Such lands are easily discriminated from other categories of

wastelands due to their characteristic spectral response. On FCC, they appears as greenish blue to

yellow to brownish in tone with varying size associated with steep isolated hillocks, hill slopes and

eroded plains. They occurs as a linear form within the plain land mainly due to varying lithology

found in the villages of Maliyur, Kalipura, Jyothigaudanapura, Mariyalhundi and Masagapura. The

area occupied by this category is 5.72 Km2 (0.19%).

7.5 Water bodies: This class comprises areas of surface water, either impounded in the form of

ponds, lakes and reservoirs or flowing as streams, rivers, canal, etc. These are clearly observed on

standard FCC in different shades of blackish blue to light blue color depending on the depth of water

bodies. The area occupied by this category is 95.51 Km2 (3.17%).

7.5.1 River: It is the natural course of water flowing openly on the land surface along a definite

channel. It may be a seasonal or perennial river system. The major parts of the study area are drained

by river Cauvery and its tributaries Kabini, Suvarnavathi and Chikkahole. River Cauvery flows from

West to East in Northern parts of the study area. River Kabini flows towards easterly direction

joining the river Cauvery at Tiramalakudalu Narasipura. Rivers Suvarnavathi and Chikkahole flow

from south towards north at central parts and intern drain into river Cauvery at Hampapura village.

The area occupied by river Cauvery, Kabini, Suvarnavathi and Chikkahole is 25.22 Km2, 5.06 Km

2,

4.13 Km2, and 0.82 Km

2 respectively.

7.5.2 Reservoirs: A reservoir is an artificial lake created by construction of a dam across the river

specifically for the generation of hydro-electric power, irrigation, water supply for

domestic/industrial uses and flood control. The reservoir would affect the land around the reservoir

rim. The introduction of a huge reservoir would be disturbing the delicate balance between soil,

water and plants through rise in groundwater table (water-logging), (Piyoosh Rautela, 2002). The

study area is endowed with 3 reservoirs namely Suvarnavathi Reservoir, Gundal Reservoir and

Chikkahole Reservoir covering area of 4.51 Km2.

7.5.2.a Chikkhole reservoir: A masonry dam 894.05 m in length and 25 m in height has been

constructed across Chikkhole near Srirangapura about 12.8 Km southeast of Chamarajanagara-

Satyamangalam road. Two canals mainly right and left bank are constructed for irrigation purpose.

In addition to the above, two bunds have been constructed across Suvarnavathi on the downstream

side near Attgulipura and Hongalavadi where the channels are taken out for irrigation. These

channels also act as feeding channels to various tanks of Ramasamudram, Homma, Kempanapura,

etc. The area occupied by this category is 1.38 Km2

(0.05%).

7.5.2.b Gundal Reservoir: A rock filled earthen dam is constructed across the Gundal stream by

11.2 Km South-East of Kollegal town. The length of the dam is 40.23 m and height is 29.56 m. The

reservoir has been constructed in between two hillocks of Biligiri-Rangan Hills. The catchment of

the reservoir is highly undulating lofty mountains covered by evergreen and deciduous forest. The

area occupied by the Gundal reservoir is 1.41 Km2 (0.05%).



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7.5.2.c Suvarnavathi Reservoir: The length of the dam is 1146.80 m and its height is 25.92 m

located at Attigalipura village, Chamarajanagara town covering an area of about 1.72 Km2 (0.06%).

The upstream of the reservoir is occupied by forest plantations, while the downstream sides are

occupied by agricultural lands. The reservoir is later divided into right and left bank canals. Right

bank canal runs about 19.5 Km, but only a small portion of the canal is useful for irrigation purpose

and the remaining portion of the canal runs in undulating terrain covered by plantations. Left bank

canal runs about 3.9 Km and benefits irrigation purposes.

Table.1: Land Use/Land Cover Classification Analysis of the study area LEVEL – 1 LEVEL – 2 LEVEL - 3

1 Built – up

land

1.1 Towns/Cities

1.2 Villages

2 Agricultural

Land

2.1 Crop land

2.1.1 Kharif

2.1.2 Tank irrigated kharif

2.1.3 Rabi

2.1.4 Kharif + Rabi (Double

cropped)

2.2 Fallow

2.3 Plantation

3 Forest

3.1 Evergreen/ Semi evergreen 3.1.1 Dense

3.2.2 Open

3.2 Deciduous (Moist & Dry) 3.2.1 Dense

3.2.2 Open

3.3 Scrub Forest

3.4 Forest Blank

3.5 Forest Plantations

3.6 Mangroves

4 Wastelands

4.1 Salt Affected Land

4.2 Waterlogged Land

4.3 Marshy / Swampy Land

4.4 Gullied / Ravinous Land

4.5 Land with scrub

4.6 Land without scrub

4.7 Sandy area (Coastal & Desertic)

4.8 Mining/ Industrial Wasteland

4.9 Barren Rocky / Stony Waste/ Sheet Rock

Area

5 Water Bodies

5.1 River / Stream

5.2 Canals

5.3 Lake / Reservoirs / Tanks

6 Others

6.1 Shifting Cultivation

6.2 Grassland/ Grazing land 6.2.1 Dense

6.2.2 Degraded

6.3 Salt Pans

6.4 Snow covered / Glacial Area



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Table.2. Image Characteristics of various land use/land cover categories of the study area (as

seen in FCC)

LU/LC category Tone/ color Size Shape Texture Pattern

Built-up land Dark bluish green Small to big Irregular Coarse Clustered to Scattered

Crop land Bright red to red Varying in

size

Regular to

Irregular Medium to Smooth

Contiquous to Non-

Contiguous

Fallow land Yellow to greenish blue Small to big Reqular to

Irregular Medium to Smooth

Contiquous to Non-

Contiguous

Plantation Dark red to red Small to

large

Reqular to

Irregular Coarse to medium Dispersed contiguous

Evergreen forest Dark red Varying in

size

Irregular,

discontinous

Smooth to medium

(depends on crown

density)

Contiquous to Non-

Contiguous

Deciduous forest Red Varying in

size

Irregular,

discontinous

Smooth to medium

(depends on crown

density)

Contiquous to Non-

Contiguous

Scrub forest light red to brown (depends

on canopy cover)

Varying in

size

Irregular,

discontinous Coarse to mottled

Contiquous to Non-

Contiguous

Forest plantation Light red to red Varying in

size

Reqular to

Irregular Smooth to medium

Contiquous to Non-

Contiguous

Salt affected land White to light blue Small to

medium

Irregular,

discontinous Smooth to mottled

Dispersed, non-

contiguous

Gullied land Light yellow to bluish

green

Varying in

size Reqular, broken very coarse to coarse

Dendritic to sub-

dendritic

Land with scrub Light yellow to brown to

greenish blue

Varying in

size

Irregular,

discontinous Coarse to mottled Contiquous dispersed

Land without

scrub Light yellow to brown

Varying in

size

Irregular,

discontinous Coarse to mottled Contiquous dispersed

Sandy area White to light yellow Varying in

size Irregular, convex Coarse to mottled Dispersed contiguous

Stony waste Greenish blue to yellow to

brownish

Varying in

size

Irregular,

discontinous Coarse to medium

Linear to contiguous

and dispressed

River or stream Light blue to dark blue Long narrow

and wide

Irregular,

Sinuous Smooth to medium

Contiguous,

dendritic/sub-dendriti

Water bodies Light blue to dark blue

(Subject to depth, weeds)

Small,

medium,

large

regular to

Irregular Smooth to mottled

Non-contiquous

dispersed

Table.3: Level-1 Land Use/Land Cover Category in the Study Area

Sl. No Classification –level 1 Area in Km

2 Percentage

(%)

1. Built-up land 61.71 2.05

2. Agriculture land 2043.21 67.85

3. Wasteland 134.19 4.46

4. Forest class 676.59 22.47

5. Water body 95.51 3.17

Total 3011.21 100.00



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Table.4: Level-2 land use/land cover categories in the study area

Level-1 Level-2 Area in Km2 Percentage (%)

1. Built-up land 1.1 Urban area 9.26 0.31

1.2 Rural area 52.45 1.74

2. Agricultural land 2.1 Kharif 1160.64 38.54

2.2 Double crop 650.35 21.60

2.3 Fallow 6.01 0.20

2.4 Plantation 226.21 7.51

3. Forest land 3.1 Evergreen forest 194.84 6.47

3.2 Deciduous forest 431.43 14.33

3.3 Scrub forest 49.12 1.63

3.4 Forest plantation 1.20 0.04

4. Wasteland 4.1 Salt affected land 8.61 0.29

4.2 Gullied land 1.73 0.06

4.3 Land with scrub 113.29 3.76

4.4 Land without scrub 3.14 0.10

4.5 Sandy area 1.70 0.06

4.6 Stony waste 5.72 0.19

5. Water body 5.1 Tank 52.38 1.74

5.2 Cauvery River 25.22 0.84

5.3 Chikka hole River 0.82 0.03

5.4 Chikka hole reservoir 1.38 0.05

5.5 Gundal reservoir 1.41 0.05

5.6 Kabani River 5.06 0.17

5.7 Stream 3.39 0.11

5.8 Suvarnavathi River 4.13 0.14

5.9 Suvarnavathi reservoir 1.72 0.06

Total area 3011.21 100.00



93

8. RESULTS & DISCUSSION

The impact of land use in prevailing surface and sub-surface hydrologic conditions is

remarkably high. Within the basin, the dynamics of hydrologic processes are governed partially by

the temporal and spatial characteristics of inputs, outputs and land use conditions (Shih, 1996). The

physiography and land characteristics have fabricated the existing land use with varying degree of

biodiversity. Change in land use is mainly due to the hydrological factors (Saraf and Choudhary.,

1998). In the present study, northwest and southwestern parts are almost flat in topography

representing agricultural fields, while eastern and southeastern parts are undulated hilly terrain

interspersed with cultivated lands confined along the valley. A large number of irrigation/recharge

tanks in the area contribute immensely in recharging the aquifers. Aquifers closer to these tanks have

much better prospects compare to those located away from the tanks. The water tanks are located

mostly along the drainage course within the pediplain, which are often structurally controlled terrain.

Kharif crops are dependent mainly of rainfall and occupy the maximum areal extent of 1160.64 Km2

that indirectly reflect that groundwater dependent crops are less. Double crops are noticed adjacent to

the perennial rivers Kabini and Cauvery which provide well developed canal system for irrigation

purpose. Small isolated hillocks found in gneissic terrain are covered by scrub lands due to lack of

water potential. Maximum extent of forest land occurs in Biligiri-Rangan Hill Ranges which are

thickly vegetated with evergreen and deciduous forest. Though it is thickly vegetated, groundwater

condition is very poor due to its topography, steep slope and high runoff conditions. Denudational

hills are covered by thick forest, residual hills and pediments are dominated by scrub forest or land

with rock exposure. Pediplains are single crops with sparse agriculture depends on availability of

water, while alluvial plains constitute double crops with thick vegetation. Wherever the

obstructions/voids are encountered, Ground Truth Checks (GTC) are undertaken to verify the LU/LC

patterns during the interpretation.



94

9. CONCLUSIONS

The level-1 classification consists of 5 major categories such as built-up land, agricultural

land, forest, wastelands, water bodies and others. These 5 major classes of level-1 are further divided

into sub-categories of level-2; keeping the area under investigation. Level-3 classification has been

done in detail on agricultural and forest lands to study the cropping pattern. Multidisciplinary

approach and research in identifying the specific land is very much needed for better utilization,

maintenance of soil fertility and rehabilitation of degraded lands. Land use/land cover provides an

idea of relative infiltration capacity of different land cover types. About 67.85% of land is occupied

by agricultural land, in which 38.54% of land is occupied by Kharif crops on pediplain region which

are rainfed crops. Double crops are noticed in alluvial plains, canal command and in tank command

areas. Wastelands such as stony waste and scrub lands are observed in uplands, all along the fringes

of the forest areas. Different classes of vegetation tend to slow down and intercept the surface flow

of runoff water leading to maximize infiltration. Large areas of watersheds are under protected

forest, besides intensive social forestry programme is evident through large patches of plantation,

discernible in satellite imagery. The valley fills are intensively cultivated which gives high

productivity due to better sediment deposit and soil moisture availability. Land-use is obviously

determined by environmental factors such as soil characteristics, climate, topography and vegetation

but also reflects the importance of land as a fundamental factor of production. Thus understanding

past changes on land use and projecting future land-use programmes require understanding the

interactions of basic human forces that motivate production and consumption. Land use/land cover in

the form of maps, statistical data helps in spatial planning, management, utilization of land for

agriculture, forestry, pasture, economic production, agricultural planning, settlement surveys,

environmental studies and operational planning based on agro-climatic zones etc.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors are indepthly acknowledged Prof. S. Govindaiah, Chairman, Department of

Studies in Earth Science, CAS in Precambrian Geology, Manasagangothri, University of Mysore,

Mysore; Dr. M.V Satish, Rolta India Ltd, Mumbai, Nagesh, MGD, Govt. of Karnataka for their

support in GIS work and UGC, New Delhi for financial support.

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