Investigating the Decline in Vegetation Cover of Gautam Buddha Nagar District using GIS and Satellite Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

The use of satellite imagery and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques has become a powerful tool for studying the impact of natural and human-made processes on the earth’s surface. The study of such processes is essential for understanding their effects and making informed decisions. In this research, temporal satellite data and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used to study changes in vegetation cover in the Gautam Buddha Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The district has experienced significant urban development over the last two decades, leading to climate and ecological transformations that affect vegetation. The satellite data were analyzed from 1999 to 2019 and employed scientific methods and classification assessment techniques to map vegetation cover and identify spectral characteristics of the imagery. Our findings reveal a significant decline in the vegetation cover of the district, which is cause for concern. This loss of vegetation cover highlights the impact of intense urban development on the environment and the need for effective environmental policies to mitigate further degradation. The results of this study emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of vegetation dynamics using remote sensing technology to enable informed decision-making in environmental policy. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the image ratio technique in assessing vegetation cover changes, making them valuable tools in the assessment of vegetation cover in the face of rapid urban development. Our findings have significant implications for land-use planning, conservation, and restoration efforts in Gautam Buddha Nagar District and other areas facing similar challenges.