A GIS Based Approach to Identify Potential Aquaculture Site in Cachar District of Assam, India

Abstract

Abstract This study briefly discusses about the present condition of aquaculture in the cachar district of Assam province in India and aids in the development of aquaculture production in the district by identifying the best suitable location for the pond culture technique. The main indent of this study is to highlight the role of Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) in identifying the Suitable areas for aquaculture in cachar district of Assam. Satellite images obtained from LANDSAT-8, Sentinel-2B, and Space Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) were used in this Study. Decision Support System (DSS) methods were utilized for calculation of suitable sites. DSS was used to delineate areas. It was encountered by comparing the DSS models with the spatio-temporal images of Google Earth that the anticipated area exhibits the presence of available ponds, confirming the demarcation is reasonable. It was predicted that about 5.16% of the total land area of 3786 km2 is most suitable for aquaculture by the DSS methods. It has also predicted that about 15.2% of the of the area is moderately suitable for Aquaculture. It is also found that the hilly regions of north and eastern region of the district is not suitable for aquaculture. The study demonstrated the significance of integrating remote sensing, GIS, and qualitative data selecting appropriate sites for the development of aquaculture ponds and the significance of being an effective instrument for professionals to establish strategic plans for aquaculture development.