Land Use Pattern of Kongnoli Village, Sangli District: A Micro-Level Geographical Study

Abstract The present study examines the land use pattern of Kongnoli Village in Kavathemahankal Tehsil of Sangli District, Maharashtra, through a micro-level geographical approach. Land is a fundamental natural resource that supports agricultural production, ecological balance, and rural livelihoods. The study is based on primary data collected through field visits, farmer interactions, and direct observation, along with secondary data obtained from the Census of India (2011), District Census Handbook, and Gram Panchayat records. The total geographical area of the village is 1834.58 hectares, of which nearly 78 percent constitutes the net sown area, reflecting the predominance of agriculture as the principal economic activity. Despite its location in a drought-prone semi-arid region, about 84 percent of the cultivated land is irrigated mainly through wells and tube wells, indicating significant dependence on groundwater resources. The absence of forest cover and limited grazing land highlight ecological imbalance and environmental stress. The study emphasizes the importance of sustainable land use planning, groundwater management, afforestation, and the application of GIS and remote sensing techniques for effective monitoring and balanced rural development.