Urbanization implications on hydro-meteorological parameters of Saroor Nagar Watershed of Telangana

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in India is creating significant changes in the land use patterns of the country, which has had a considerable impact on the rainfall patterns, groundwater availability, and land surface temperature over the years. The primary objective of this research was to examine the implications of spatiotemporal variations of urban growth on the hydrometeorological parameters in the Saroor Nagar Watershed of Telangana, India between 2008 and 2020. The study is also aimed at identifying the correlation between Land Surface Temperature (LST) and spectral indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and SWIRED Index (SWIRED). The results revealed that the study area has witnessed remarkable growth in the built-up area, and a systematic increase in Land Surface Temperature. The built-up area has increased by 23%, rainfall by 40%, the surface temperature by 0.55°C per annum, and groundwater levels have decreased significantly. LST has a positive correlation with NDBI, SWIRED, and a negative correlation with NDVI. Our study would help land management specialists, planners, and local government officials in determining places where expansion must be curtailed to avoid additional environmental deterioration, thus aiding in the development of systematic urban planning approaches.