Geospatial Mapping for Land Resource Optimization: A Case Study from Meghalaya
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Researchers have identified 3.4 lakh hectares of cultivable wasteland in Meghalaya using GIS and satellite imagery, providing a critical baseline for sustainable land-use planning in the Northeast.
The recent collaboration between North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) marks a significant step forward in evidence-based governance in the Northeast. By leveraging advanced satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the study has successfully cataloged approximately 3.4 lakh hectares of cultivable wasteland across Meghalaya. This scientific intervention addresses a long-standing challenge in the region: the lack of granular, digitized land-use data required for effective resource management.
In the context of the North East, where topographical constraints and traditional land ownership patterns often complicate agricultural expansion, such data is transformative. Cultivable wasteland represents a vital opportunity for land reclamation, offering potential for expanding the agricultural base without necessarily encroaching on ecologically sensitive forest cover. For policymakers, this study serves as a strategic roadmap for diversifying the state's agrarian economy, enhancing food security, and potentially alleviating poverty by bringing dormant land into productive use.
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