Analyses of the Forest Cover Change in Rani and Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Assam, North East India Using Geospatial Technique

The present study was taken up for quick assessment of forest cover. During the study Landsat TM (1991), IRS-1D LISS-III sensor data (2000) and IRS P6 LISS-IV (MX) data of 2009 were interpreted and mapped to assess the change in the forest cover. The study revealed that prominent changes were observed in forest blank during 1991 and 2000 in Rani reserve forest. It has been observed that the most remarkable changes took place in forest blank which was 10.71% of the total area during 1991–2000. It was reduced to 5.65% during 1991–2009. There were not many changes in the forest area. However the open moist deciduous forest is gradually increasing during the study period. Similarly, in Garbhanga reserve forest prominent changes were observed in forest blank during 1991 and 2000 which was 10.4% of the total area but reduced to 5.91 during 1991–2009. Bamboo brakes were also increased during the study periods especially during the period 1991 and 2000. Scrub forest was increased only by 1.02% during 1991 and 2009. The study clearly showed that there has been noticeable increase in forest blank and reduction in medium moist deciduous forest in both the reserves. Built up area has also increased prominently in Rani reserve forest. A gradual increase in scrub forest was also seen in both the reserve forests.