Analysis of land use/land cover in relation to geomorphological features along Satluj river, Himachal Pradesh, India

Land use/land cover is obviously constrained by environmental factors such as climate, soil characteristics along with geological and geomorphological features of the area. In this study, an attempt has been made to delineate the LULC categories with reference to geomorphological features along the course of Satluj River. The relationship was explored by investigating the area using remote sensing and GIS. Statistical analysis shows that major part of the area is covered by forests followed by agriculture, barren rocky area and land with/without scrub. The various geomorphic features are dominant accordingly, especially in the upper two climatic zones but in the lower climatic zone, due to modifications by human beings for socio-economic activities, the LULC and geomorphology are inconsistent with each other. This clearly indicates that the land covered by various forests is diverted for settlement, agriculture/horticulture and other developmental activities. This study may prove significant for policy makers and planners in their planning efforts which help in establishing sustainable development strategies in the region.