Potential Aquaculture Practices In Saline Waterlogged Land Using Geospatial Approach Rohtak District (Haryana)

Abstract

For farmers whose agricultural land had been waterlogged and therefore unusable for years, there is some good news. Currently, the state administration is working to turn the flooded fields into ponds that can be used for fish aquaculture. In order to replace the "Green Revolution" with the "Blue Revolution,” The study focuses on the waterlogging issues and aquaculture potential in Rohtak district, Haryana, India, utilizing spatial and non-spatial data. Rohtak district spans 1,745 square kilometers, representing 3.9% of Haryana's total area. With average annual rainfall of 592 mm, the region experiences significant waterlogging, especially during the southwest monsoon season. Landsat-8 satellite imagery from 2022 was analyzed using unsupervised classification and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) to identify waterlogged areas. The depth of the water table and salinity levels (EC values) were also assessed using groundwater data. Results indicate that 42,229.4 hectares are severely waterlogged, while 82,693.8 hectares have salinity levels slightly unfavorable for aquaculture. Based on water depth, 12,061.7 hectares have excellent aquaculture potential, whereas 54.1% of the district is only slightly suitable for aquaculture. This study provides insights into water management challenges and opportunities for aquaculture development in the district.