Inter and Intra Micro Watershed Analysis of Land Use Change An Appraisal on Sustainability, Southern Sikkim, India

Abstract

Systematic watershed analysis is now a rational track for development strategies. Natural forms and factors in terms of location had been in the way of the major land use change for a long time especially in the area of the present study. However, through time the dynamicity has increased to such an extent that a close scrutiny and relevancy of management for sustainability issues have invited the present study. The southern part of the state, with maximum physical and social alteration, has been taken in the present context to assess the changes of land use in the different micro watersheds within this area. The topography of the southern three districts is characterized by a host of different landform features. There are sharp, rugged, snow bound mountains with inaccessible scarp faces at higher altitudes. The present study area takes into consideration 12 watersheds, as geographical subdivisions, extending over the entire southern part of the state. Recently, sudden influx of population has evidently maneuvered the ground for land use changes in the comparatively favourable pockets within the southern half bringing inter and intra watershed differences in land use pattern and change. Field observation in association with all possible reports and records with analytical treatment, have been some essentials to fulfill the need of the study.