International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 5 Issue 8, August 2016 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Mapping of the Forest Cover based on Multi-criteria Analysis: A Case Study on Jhargram Sector in Paschim Medinipur District Goutam Kumar Das 1 , Rabin Das 2 1 Research Fellow, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan 2 Assistant Professor of Geography, Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya Abstract: Application of Remote Sensing and GIS of vegetation can be an attractive and alternative to the traditional methods of field scouting because of the capability of covering large areas rapidly and repeatedly providing spatial and temporal information necessary for a sustainable management. The potential of remote sensing in vegetation is very high because it is able to infer about vegetation amount and its nature as a non-destructive mean. Numerous spectral vegetation indices (VIs) multi-criteria based approach has been developed to characterize vegetation canopy. Plant canopy reflectance factors and derived multispectral VIs are receiving increased attention in floristic research as robust surrogates for traditional biophysical parameters. Spectral reflectance and thermal emittance properties of soil and vegetations have been used extensively to predict ecological variables such as percent vegetation covers, plant biomass, green leaf area index and other biophysical characteristics. The basic objective of this study is to convey the potentiality of vegetation indices in the quantification of bio physical principles of forest environment and to review the remote sensing application in botanical research. Here very types of indices (GVI, PVI, and NDVI etc) are used for interpret forest and forest cover type with multi- criteria based approach. Keywords: Remote Sensing and GIS, sustainable management, Vegetation Indices, Forest Cover type and Multi-criteria based approach 1. Introduction Resources that are abundant once may change to other forms or be degraded or even depleted. Natural resource such as wildlife and forests were abundant on the earth and there were no concern about wise use of such moments. As human populations continue growing rapidly, resources are becoming scares. Obviously, these resources are changed or exhausted unless wisely used. In order to mitigate the scarcity or complete loss, mankind has started to become concerned about conserving natural resources, of which one is forest resource (IFMP, 2000). Forest is one of the most essential kinds of resources that human beings and other animals depend on. It regulates environmental and ecological changes in which soil, water climate and rainfall are in good existence in sustainable condition. Apart from its intrinsic value for many indigenous and other forest-dependent people, forests are their livelihood. Forests provide them with edible and medicinal plants, bush meat, fruits, honey, shelter, firewood and many other goods, as well as with cultural and spiritual values. Whether it is private or public property, forest is the nationally and globally mutual treasure. The value of forest resources to the world’s human population is becoming increasingly evident. Despite this, forest have been subjected to over exploitation due to human population has been growing and also clearing for agricultural activities (William, 1990). The presence of forest in Jhargram sub-divitional area is relevant at several levels. Socially and economically speaking, forests are a traditional resource for local communities as a source for fuel wood and construction wood. In addition it is used for commercialization of non- timber product in some local market. Moreover, they represent pasture for domestic grazers. Ecologically, forests are essential for some villagers to earn money by selling fuel wood also the plant leaf. Furthermore vegetation is one of the most important components of the eco-system. The knowledge about the variation in vegetation species and community distribution pattern, alternations in vegetation phonological cycles and modifications in plant physiology and morphology provide valuable insight into climatic edaphic, geologic and physiographic characteristic of an area (Jones et.al.1998). Scientist have devoted a significant amount of effort to develop sensors and visual and digital image processing algorithms to highlight and extract important vegetation bio- physical information from remotely sensed data (Frhon, 1998; Huete and Justice, 1999). During 1985-86 the pilot project was reviewed, evaluated and analyzed. It appeared that the entire project area had become restocked with nearly 700 ha of beautiful Sal coppice forests and 300 ha of plantation crop. In fact this pilot project proved to be a success. The formula of involvement of indigenous people in forest protection and management was translated in other areas including West Midnapur Division since mid-eighties very successfully. Govt. gave recognition to these systems of management of forests (popularly termed as Joint Forest Management) by issuing a Govt. Order during 1989 and amendments during 1990 and 1991. Presently this division is having nearly 480 Forest Protection Committees. On and from 1 st April, 2006 the West Midnapur Division has been recorganized and rename as Jhargram Forest Division. Paper ID: ART2016894 492