Land is becoming a scarce commodity the world over due to immense agricultural and demographic pressure. Hence, information on landuse/land cover change (LULCC) and possibilities for their optimal use are essential for the selection, planning, implementation and monitoring of development schemes to meet the increasing demands for basic human needs and welfare while at the same time preserving biodiversity, especially in developing countries.

The UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have this key aim of alleviating poverty by half of its 2002 levels by 2015 and maintaining environmental sustainability. Many studies have shown that biodiversity protection enhances the latter and concomitantly reduces poverty.

The Meenachil River originates from the Western Ghats, the mountain chain that straddles the eastern border of the state of Kerala in India. Its watershed extends from 9^o25’ to 9^o55’N latitudes and 76^o20’ to 76^o55’E longitudes. The satellite data of IRS-P6-LISS-III (acquired on February 9, 2004) and IRS-IB-LISS II path/row (25/62) of March 9, 1996 were used. Land mismanagement, landuse changes especially the conversion of paddy fields, under-utilization of potential crop lands, increasing population etc. are the major driving forces of LULCC in the Meenachil River Basin.