Three-decade assessment of vegetation, water, and Built-Up area dynamics in Khordha district using remote sensing

The increasing significance of remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be attributed to their extensive applicability across various domains, including urban planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, land use change assessment, disaster forecasting, and management. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of the evolving patterns of land use in Khordha District, Odisha, over a 30-year period from 1990 to 2020, focusing on key features such as vegetation, water resources, and built-up areas through the application of geospatial technologies. Satellite imagery from the Landsat 8 series was analyzed, employing various spectral indices calculated using ArcGIS 10.8.2 software. The indices - specifically the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Enhanced Builtup and Bareness Index (EBBI) - were generated from the corresponding satellite images, followed by correlation analysis to understand the relationships among different land use categories. This study serves as a critical resource for planners and decision-makers, facilitating informed and sustainable resource management practices aimed at mitigating the over-exploitation of soil, water, and other natural resources in Khordha District. The findings highlight the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS methodologies in land use planning and environmental conservation strategies.