National Natural Resources Information System (NRIS)

NRIS is a computer based natural resources information system in a GIS environment. The information can be stored, updated, analysed, and retrieved as per the requirement of the user. The objective of the project is to provide periodic and systematic information on natural resources related to land, water, forests, minerals, soils, oceans etc. and to combine this information with socio-economic information such as demographic data, financial allocations, development targets, etc. Such an integration of information would aid the decision making process for systematic planning of resources utilisation. Action plan models can also be generated based on spatial and socio-economic data. This helps in formulating policies and implementation of decision/plans/policies based on the management alternatives.
This facility has helped the users in evolving practical action plans for natural resources development & Computerized Digital Image Processing (DIP) facility installed in RSC with the assistance from the Department of Space, GOI.
Mapping of lineaments morphotechtonics and their relationship with sensing in Panjab Re-seismicity entrant Himachal Pradesh
Using high resolution satellite data product on 1:50,000 scale mapping of lineaments and morphotectonic units is being carried out in the Punjab Re-entrant part of the Lesser Himalayas. Based on the image interpretation, a relationship will be established between lineament, morphology and seismicity of the area.

Crop Acreage and Production Estimation Project (CAPE)
The aim is to provide a timely information on agricultural products which helps in better management of resources by the planners. In this regard wheat crop acreage and its production forecasting has been attempted in the five major wheat growing districts i.e. Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur & Una using Indian Remote Sensing satellite data.

Study of Effect of Climatic Variations on Himalayan Glaciers Geological history of earth indicates that the glacial dimensions are constantly changing with changing climate and these changes can profoundly affect the runoff of the Himalayan rivers. On the basis of study done, total 23,315 sq. km. area is under snow in India and the runoff from these glaciers contributes considerable to the stream flow of the rivers originating in the higher Himalayas. So, it is important to study glacial aerial extent and possible changes for proper management of Himalayan water resources.
The aim of the project is to develop of a model to assess the effect of climatic variation on Himalayan glaciers and to assess changes in glacial-melt runoff due to climatic variations. Initially the study is being done in the Baspa valley of the District Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh.The inventory of glaciers and permanent snow fields is also being prepared for the Chenab and Ravi basins. Complete data base for the glaciers and snowfields in Satluj & Beas basins is available in digital format.

National Survey of Potential and Actual Area under Sericulture through Remote Sensing (SPAARS)
Himachal Pradesh has the potential for the development of sericulture and a map of the existing acreage and potential area under sericulture using satellite data has been prepared.
Digital database on soil types, soil suitability classes, drainage pattern, agro-ecological zones, geomorphologic zones, mean annual rainfall zone, administrative layer including block boundaries and meteorological parameters for Himachal Pradesh at 1:250,000 scale have been prepared. Field data on the mulberry plantations, seri cultural centres, total area, nurseries and farms, density of plantation, cocoon production have been collected for the concerned districts of HP.

Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD)  The aim of the project is to prepare various thematic maps on natural resources based on satellite data and to evolve the land resources and water development action plans as per the socio-economic data for the user department of the state.
Digital data base on for Chamba, Kangra, Hamirpur, Kinnaur and Sirmour districts on 1:50,000 scale and report for the user departments has been generated.
 
Bio-Geo Database Programme in HP An integrated and eco-friendly development of a system of watershed areas can lead to improved quality of life of people. The project focuses on the Bio-Geo database generation and overall development of the watershed by collecting and analysing data for making specific recommendations for line departments and use them for undertaking research.

Waste Land Mapping Project Under the program, the database related to wasteland available in the state was delineated using IRS-Liss-III satellite data. Database comprises of the information available for wasteland in each micro watershed. This database is also available in digital format.
 
Identification of Ground Water Potential Using remote sensing technology, inputs are provided to the State Irrigation and Public Health Department for the development of ground water throughout the state by means of deep bore well hand pumps. Till now about 9000 hand pumps have been installed.

Inventory of  Himalayan Glaciers Under this programme an inventry of glaciers is being prepared in Himachal Himalayas. Under this programme, mapping for the glaciers in Chenab, Satlij, Beas basins have been completed and is complied in the firm of an atlas. mapping of glacier in Ravi basin has also been undertaken and until be compiled in the form of an atlas. Beside this, an inventory of  marine demand atlas have also been compiled using high resolution satellite data on 1:50,000 scale.