The severity of land degradation was assessed by analysing the physico-chemical parameters and correlating with satellite data in the Bathinda district, Punjab. Most of the soil samples were slightly or moderately saline, while a few were calcareous and alkaline. Comparing the satellite datasets of 2000 and 2014 revealed an increase in settlements and a decrease in barren area. The study can be useful for soil and environmental scientists and planning agencies for restoration of degraded lands.