Volume : 4, Issue : 10, October - 2015

CHANGES OF LANDUSE PATTERN IN KODAGU DISTRICT(KARNATAKA STATE)

Dr. C. Mallanna

Abstract :

<p>Land is one of the important natural resources of a country or a state. Its proper use will encourage the growth of economy. But improper use leads to progressive deterioration and loss of productivity of this valuable resource. The distribution of land for different purposes is known as ‘Land utilization’ or ‘Land use pattern.’ Land utilization is determined by various factors such as relief features, climate, and soils density of population, socio-economic factors and technical factors. …………….. The area under study is a smallest district in Karnataka State. It lies on the summits of the eastern and western slopes of the Western Ghats. It is a land locked district. The district enjoys cool climate with heavy rainfall. Due to its mountains and cool climate, the district is oftenly described as the “Switzerland of India” or “Scotland of India” or “Kashmir of South” The present study is based on primary and secondary data collected from the various government offices and personal visit to the study area. This helps to assess the land-use and occupational structure in the district. The total geographical area of the district is 4102 Square Kilometres. Out of this 1345.97 Square Kilometres (32.81%) of area is consisting forest.</p>