India is in one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world, harbouring about 45,000 plant and 60,000 insects, 1175 birds and 372 mammalian species. Perhaps, India is the only country in the world to have a vast array of habitats encompassing tropical rain forest to alpine scrub forest. A great variety of environmental conditions have bestowed a diverse variety of endemic biotypes.

Development without destruction has become an important global issue. Increase in human and cattle population has resulted in diversion of vast tract of forest land for agriculture and grazing. This has adversely affected the wildlife and wildlife habitats in the country. In situ conservation of biomes in different ecological/biogeographical zones of the country by establishing national parks and sanctuaries therefore becomes important for conserving biodiversity.

The need to protect floral and faunal values of an area assumes even greater significance when development activities either directly of indirectly threaten the biological diversity of the region. The present study is part of the mitigation planning suggested in the main report “Impact Assessment Studies of Narmada Sagar and Omkareshwar Projects on Flora and Fauna with attendant Human Aspects”, submitted separately to the Narmada Valley Development Authority. Aerospace Remote Sensing Technology and Geographic Information System have been used in this study to delineate the proposed protected area boundaries and for preparation of thematic maps.

The present study is an outcome of a collaborative project between Wildlife Institute of India and India Institute of Remote Sensing. This report is based on the mapping of forest cover, landuse and geomorphology using aerospace data and the ancillary data like forest compartments maps, submergence map, drainage, road network etc. and analysis of the data in GIS domain and GRASS software. We hope the study will help in the establishment of protected areas to mitigate the environmental losses due to submergence and would provide valuable information for the preparation of resource management plans of the protected areas. The assistance provided by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Narmada Valley Development Authority and the Friends of Nature (FONS, Bhopal) in carrying out this study is greatly acknowledged.