Time-Line Based Aerial Analysis for Impact of Rampant Urbanization on Lakes of Bengaluru (India)

Abstract

Abstract Urbanization is introducing drastic transitions in the natural landscapes such as open areas, green spaces and water bodies of each and every city. The present study undertakes timeline aerial analysis for 2 decades from 2000 to 2019 to comprehend the effect of urbanization upon the Lakes of Bengaluru. Once famed as the city of 1000 Lakes; its wetlands now pose serious concern in terms of quantity, quality, aesthetics, epidemics and as life support system for native aquatic species. The outcome for the research was arrived at by analyzing the reduction of physical/geographical area of forty-two prominent Lakes by analyzing Satellite imageries, with inferential observations and deductions. Bellandur and Varthur Lakes rank among the most critically effected, having lost 9,87,411 sq.m. & 619416 sq.m. and 1,33,205 sq.m. and 4,19,310 sq.m. owing to scrupulous encroachment & eutrophication respectively.