Study of Bhitarkanika Marine National Park Region, Kendrapara, Odisha, India Using Gis and Remote Sensing Technology

The Coastal regions are dynamically controlled by due marine and terrestrial processes. The detail knowledge of extent and impact of different thematic information and their implications for future management is needed to understand the challenges in coastal tract. Although coastal zone constitute just about 10% of the land yet it supports about 60% of world population. As a result, coastal zone ecosystem (estuaries, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves etc), which are rich in natural resources are in tremendous pressure. There has been a serious pressure on the resources and habitats of Odisha coast in the last few decades. Rapid industrialization in Paradeep and Dhamra port, increase of aquaculture activities, denudation of coastal sands, rapid degradation of coastal vegetation(especially mangroves species), salinity ingress in the agricultural land, natural and artificial disturbance on the habitats of sea turtles etc. High resolution satellite image was used to delineate different thematic layers. Arc Map and ERDAS imagine softwares were used in the interpretation and analysis of different thematic layers such as land use/land cover, geomorphology, soil, wetland, drainage, infrastructure and settlement. To study the vegetation status, vegetation index also prepared. An accuracy assessment was carried out by using Kappa coefficient technique. The major objectives of the study are to interpret the thematic information of the present time and the coastal resources and threats suggest that the existing conservation measures and protection plans are inadequate to reclaim the coastal natural resources. The community participation is essential for the protection of the brittle coastal region. More rigid laws must be effectively enforced. Public participation, education programme, awareness initiatives are essential for any coastal management programme. Thus, in order to achieve a sustainable development in the delicate coastal ecosystem, involvement of local community at all levels is essential to protect the environmentally sensitive coastal tract of Odisha. The findings of the study can be useful for the coastal managers and decision making authority for proper implementation of coastal sustainable goals.