Analysing Decadal Land Use Land Cover Dynamics in the Sub-Upper Krishna Basin of Maharashtra, India Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Aims: This study was conducted to examine Land Use Land Cover (LULC) dynamics in Maharashtra’s sub-upper Krishna basin from 2009 to 2019 using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS), focusing on water bodies, vegetation, soil, settlements, and their changes. Study Design: Employing remote sensing and GIS for LULC mapping (2009-2019) the study used a maximum likelihood classifier in supervised classification, identifying six land use categories: water bodies, open shrubs, forests, agricultural land, settlements, and fallow land. Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in the sub-upper Krishna basin, Maharashtra, over ten years’ data (2009-2019). Methodology: The study utilised satellite remote sensing and GIS tools for LULC mapping. A supervised classification was applied with a maximum likelihood classifier to categorize land. The changes in water bodies, open shrubs, forests, agricultural land, settlements, and fallow land were analysed using GIS approach. Results: It was seen that, over the decade, fallow land decreased by 3.03%, while agricultural land and settlements grew by 7.32% and 4.3%, respectively. Tree cover increased by 9.85%, water bodies by 0.93%, and open scrubland decreased by 1.77%. Institutional factors, easier water access, and technological and economic factors drove these changes. Conclusion: The study advocates the effective use of satellite remote sensing to monitor LULC changes, identifying key drivers, including institutional and technological factors, contributes to sustainable development planning. The findings aid predictions for future land use changes, supporting effective land management and conservation strategies in the region.