A GIS Based Modeling Approach for Identifying Suitable Districts of Orissa for the Potential Forest Based Industry Development

Forest based industry and business is not only important for the economic development of the country, it also provides employment to rural people living near or inside the forest. The aim of present study was to identify districts in Orissa having potential for forest based, industrial development, considering vegetation, socioeconomic and infrastructural variables using GIS modeling and analysis. A Cumulative Potential District Index (CPDI) was developed for this purpose and results were obtained for different perspective of development. The results suggest that Deogarh, Gajapati, Rayagada and Sambalpur have a high potential for Forest based Industry Development.