Three-Decade Remote Sensing Assessment of Vegetation, Water Dynamics, and Mangrove Expansion in Sujawal District (1990–2024)

Coastal regions are increasingly vulnerable to the combined impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities, leading to significant alterations in hydrological patterns, vegetation and mangrove dynamics. Sujawal is considered more vulnerable district of Sindh province due to climatic change and seawater intrusion. This study utilized remote sensing imaginary for monitoring and mapping of this region from 1990 to 2024. The results of study indicate that the water body increased from 1990 to 2024, this expansion occurred near the coastal area. Furthermore, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values indicate that large portion of vegetation also increases near the coastal area, this expansion further confirms with mangrove area. The mangrove cover area was expanded 158.2 km2 (119.6%) from 1990 to 2024, this expansion indicates improvement in coastal protection and ecological recovery. Similarly, increases water bodies of sea water leading to the degradation of agricultural land and freshwater resources. These comparing dynamics highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient land use planning, emphasizing integrated management of coastal hydrology, mangrove conservation, and salinity control. This study suggested that, need to develop sustainable strategies, such as increasing the freshwater inflow, expanding the mangrove plantation near the coastal area, these strategies are important for both the ecological integrity and the livelihoods of coastal communities in Sujawal District.