Remote sensing to assess surface water quantity scenarios using normalized difference water index in the lesser Himalayan region

Abstract

Lacustrine wetlands are wetlands always associated with lakes and play a major role in functioning of landscape, water and nutrients cycle, water purification, rich biodiversity and provide a wide array of useful and appreciated ecosystem services. Variation in quantity of water in lake is one of the most important criteria to understand its utilization and pressure it might be facing due to over exploitation by various sources. Among various Ramsar lakes, the lakes existing in the lesser Himalayan region are more prone to degradation as they occur in one of the most fragile zone. This creates a need to study such lakes to know the present scenario and also to identify the factors leading to its deterioration. This study aimed to analyses the variation in the water quantity and extent of Ramsar lakes in lesser Himalayan region and also, understanding utilization and application of Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). In this study, two Ramsar lakes (Renuka lake and Pong Dam lake) in the lesser Himalayan region were identified. To study the variation, LANDSAT images were analyzed and NDWI for each was calculated on ArcGIS interface. Study suggests that remote sensing proves to be the best tool in detecting and monitoring of the lakes in the Himalayan region which are located at high altitude and rugged terrain conditions. Results also outlined that adapting remote sensing techniques will be helpful in studying and efficiently suggesting best management practices for the wetlands which are in need of conservation or already are being conserved.