Forest change detection in Kalarani round, Vadodara, Gujarat— a Remote Sensing and GIS approach

Studies on spatial distribution of the different forests during 1970 to 1999 using integrated remote sensing and GIS techniques reveals that area under forests in the Kalarani Round, is progressively reducing with the time. In 1970 forest area was found to be 22.75 sq km. in 1989 it was 15.34 sq km and in 1999 it was only 12.93 sq km. Thus. there is considerable loss in the tree cover from 1989 to 1999. Jhanpa and Kalarani R.F. are the example of this. Ground surveys indicate that the majority of the loss is caused by heavy grazing pressure there by decreasing regeneration of vegetation. If suitable measures are not taken. whole area may be converted into wasteland in due course of time. Another reason for the forest loss, could be land encroachments by villagers for their overwhelming needs. Karali R.F. is not much disturbed apart from the plantation raised in the foothills. Outside the reserve forest boundary, the change was observed due to construction of Narmada Sagar canal.