Assessing Land Use/Land Cover Transformation and Wetland Decline in Birbhum District, West Bengal: A Time-Series Analysis

The examination of changes in land use and land cover (LULC)Land use and land cover has become a significant field of study in current research approaches, with the goal of efficiently addressing both urban and rural development. This was achieved by utilizing an unsupervised classification techniqueUnsupervised classification technique and a change detectionChange detection method. The analysis was carried out throughout the course of three distinct time periods, namely 1977, 1998, and 2018. The primary objective of the present study was to generate LULC maps to assess the changes and impacts on wetlandsWetland over a period of forty-one years. The present study undertook a thorough examination of the LULC change (LULCC) in Birbhum District during the years 1977, 1998, and 2018. The results of the study unveiled noteworthy changes in land usage across the specified timeframe. The land area dedicated to agriculture experienced a significant increase throughout the years. In 1977, it accounted for 65.1% of the total land area, which rose to 72.9% in 1998, and further escalated to 74.1% in 2018. On the other hand, there was a decrease observed in aquatic systems, suggesting possible consequences for both water resources and ecosystems. The vegetation exhibited a slight expansion, however there was a significant increase in built-up areas, indicating the process of urbanization and the construction of infrastructure. This study highlights the significance of monitoring LULCC to make well-informed decisions about resource management, urban planning, and environmental preservation. The statement underscores the importance of implementing sustainable land management practices to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between economic progress and the preservation of the environment. The results of this study offer significant contributions to our understanding of the changing LULCLand use and land cover patterns in Birbhum District, serving as a basis for future planning and development endeavours.