Geoinformatics-Based Land Degradation Susceptibility Analysis and Sustainability of Palghar Sea Coastal Areas

In the present study, an attempt has been made to map the existing coastal resources of Palghar districts to understand the land degradation susceptibility based on various derived thematic maps like administrative boundaries with talukas, topography of the area, contour map, soil classification, geomorphology, and drainage pattern using the geoinformatics tools. In the present work, an attempt has been made to determine the spatial assessment of vulnerability of the Palghar coast land degradation susceptibility and sustainable land use planning of Palghar coastal zone using an integrated approach of geoinformatics, hence to protect the coastal zone from human activities that may cause degradation of coastal land. The ecological and socio-economic aspects are studied by mapping existing resources. The areas affected by coastal erosion, coastal accretion, and wind speed are categorized most vulnerable, moderate, and less vulnerable. Mapping of coastal hazards is essential which includes understanding the flooding and erosion of the coastal zones, in order to protect the people and their property. A coastal regulation zone lines are marked at various levels as low tide line, high tide line, and hazardous line at 700 m. A sustainable land use map is proposed with appropriate sustainable adaptation strategies. In the present study at attempt has been made to prepare a suitability map using multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA). According to the derived potential suitability map, 49.23% of land are suitable for agriculture, 13.47% of land are for settlement, 26.82% for forest, 2.13% for protected area and 8.35% for recreational activities. The sustainable land management is possible by adopting land degradation mitigation measures to prevent the erosion of sea coastal areas.