Spatio temporal change detection analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) using geospatial tools in the Kuzhithuraiyar sub-basin, Kodayar River, Kanniyakumari district, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Land use land cover (LULC) has altered dramatically because of anthropogenic activities, particularly in places where climate change and population growth are severe. The geographic information system (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and Remote sensing (RS) are widely used techniques for monitoring LULC changes. This study aimed to assess the LULC changes in Kuzhithuraiyar sub basin of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India. The satellite images of four decades, that is 1992, 2002, 2012 and 2022, are collected and worked with the help of ArcGIS and ENVI Software. The findings have been validated in the field using GPS. The sub basin is classified based on Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) into nine classes. They are (i) Barren land, (ii) Built-up land, (iii) Crop land, (iv) Dense forest, (v) Fallow land, (vi) Grass land, (vii) Open forest, (viii) Shrub land and (ix) Water body and the gain and loss of each classes have been mapped. Land use/land cover change has occurred due to the direct and indirect involvement of population growth. Land use changes beyond the land’s capability played a significant role in triggering land degradation. To minimize these adverse consequences of land use change, environmentally friendly management measures must be implemented. Proper land use planning is essential for a sustainable development of the study area. Hence, this study will help in future sustainable planning and management.