Ramanagara District Research Articles

Assessment of Crop Loss Due to Elephant Crop Raids and Its Eco Friendly Mitigation

The crop raiding by elephants is one of the important concern causing loss of livelihood and affects the farmer’s economy. Hence a study was conducted to estimate the crop losses and to evolve an economically feasible mitigation measures. The studies were conducted in villages belonging to Kodihalli and Uyyamballi Hobli of Kanakapura Taluka, Ramanagara District, Karnataka which is surrounded by thick forest cover during 2022 to 2023. The estimation on crop loss revealed that the highest crop losses were recorded in banana (5.26 to 46.54%) plantations followed by maize (2.47 to 41.87%), ragi (2.31 to 38.95%), mango (1.28 to 32.54%), pigeon pea (1.31-21.41%) and cowpea (1.46 to 12.68%). The highest economic loss was recorded in banana and mango crops. The evaluation of mitigation measures in ragi and maize crop revealed the use of bioacoustics and predator deterrent lights provided better economical feasible mitigation measures with the cost benefit ratio of 1:2.9 and 1:3.5 respectively. The use of barbed wire fence and use of solar fence (Agri solar) was also found effective in mitigating the crop raids by elephants. However, these mitigation measures are short term and has to be used in vulnerable stages of the crop only.

Spatio-temporal characteristics of rainfall and drought conditions are using the different drought indices with geospatial approaches in Karnataka state

Karnataka state drought conditions are assessed via drought indices. Over the past several decades, several indices of drought (DI) have been developed and presented, although some of them are region-specific and have problems regarding their applicability to other climatic circumstances. Additionally, choosing the best DI time step to illustrate the drought condition is difficult because of the DIs' various time steps. The study compares the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Statistical Z-Score, China Z-Index (CZI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), and Rainfall Departure (RD) to determine which one is most appropriate for the districts of the Karnataka state that are prone to both dry and rainy conditions. This study has pointed out that the best drought indices are SPI and RD, and the least accountable drought indice is China Z index. Droughts were most common in 22 districts in 2009, which represent around 70.97% of the state's landmass. In comparison with the rest of the districts, the Ramanagara district noticed the worst drought conditions in 2003, with rainfall reaching 92.47 mm and SPI -3.68, RAI-6.04, MCZI -2.39, and Z score −2.62. Overall, the results of the study will aid in the organization and improvement of drought, flood, agriculture, and water resource management approaches in the state.

Cultural practice and determinants of newborn care in rural areas of Ramanagara district in Karnataka: a community-based study

Background: There is considerable drop in neonatal mortality in India attributing to strategies by the National Health Mission and in rural areas cultural practices also plays role. The knowledge of recent cultural practices was intended and thus, the objective of this study was to explore the cultural practices and determinants in neonatal care in rural areas of Ramanagara district. Methods: The community based, cross sectional, descriptive and exploratory study was done in selected villages. The recently born baby in the family was included as subject irrespective of their birth order and sex. Data collected by direct interview of mothers at their door steps using the pre tested, semi open-ended questionnaire containing relevant information about cultural practices in the family. Data was analysed in SPSS software version 23. Results: Sex ratio among 550 newborns was 1:1. Birth orders of first and second or above were 59.5% and 40.5%. Majority of the mothers delivered at government hospitals (95%) and by vaginal delivery. The duration of hospital stay was less than 3 days in 52.5%. Breast feeding was initiated among 98% within 24 hours after birth, first bathing and oil massage after birth was within 7 days and 14 days respectively in majority. The prevalence of LBW was 19.5% and pre lacteal feeding was 21.1%. Conclusions: The newborn care practices are better in this community. However, the pre lacteal and top feeding practices to be discouraged by appropriate health education to the mothers and care takers immediately after birth.

Ambient gamma radiation level around Kaveri river basin, Karnataka state, India.

Studies on ambient gamma radiation in indoor and outdoor environment and their effect on human health have created interest among the researchers across the world. The present study represents the results of indoor and outdoor ambient gamma dose rates around the Kaveri river basin from Talakaveri (Madikeri district) to Mekedatu (Ramanagara district) by using portable Environmental Radiation Dosemeter. The annual effective dose in the present study area varies between 0.14mSv.y-1 and 0.58mSv.y-1 with an average value of 0.30mSv.y-1 for indoor radiation. The outdoor annual effective dose ranged between 0.01mSv.y-1 and 0.14mSv.y-1 with an average value of 0.06mSv.y-1. The total annual effective dose varies from 0.17 to 0.72mSv.y-1 with an average value of 0.36mSv.y-1. The calculated values of indoor and outdoor annual effective dose in the study area (are found to be lower than the world average values (1mSv.y-1 and 0.48mSv.y-1).

Evaluation of Outbreak Preparedness to Prevent the Reintroduction of Malaria in Ramanagara District: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study.

Background Malaria is a vector-borne disease transmitted by female anopheline mosquitoes. It is also a multidimensional disease influenced by social factors such as poor environmental conditions and awareness gaps. India has witnessed a substantial reduction in malaria cases and has declared three regions as malaria-free, with Karnataka being one of the states. However, Karnataka witnesses significant population movement and migration, which influences the spread of malaria. Ramanagara, a district in Karnataka, reported zero indigenous cases over the past three years. Hence, we selected this district to evaluate outbreak preparedness to prevent the reintroduction of malaria. This choice underscores the district's significance as a valuable model for preventing the reintroduction of malaria. Methodology Baseline survey data on malaria cases and vector survey data were evaluated for the period spanning 2018 to 2022. The data were gathered from both the regional office and the Ramanagara district health office. In addition to the documenting system, because there was no regular submission of Form-P and Form-L of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project and Integrated Health Information Platform from the private sector, to complete the missing data, across-sectional study was conducted among private sector practitioners and pharmacies in Ramanagara from April 2023 to June 2023. Data was collected via interviews using a malaria surveillance assessment toolkit sourced from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control and World Health Organization protocols to assess six core areas of malaria elimination. Data collected via interviews were compiled in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Malaria control measures in the selected district achieved >80% coverage with notable improvements in the National Health Mission-National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme fund utilization, logistics availability, and physical performance over the past five years. The Annual Parasite Index was <1 at 0.0061 in 2018 and 0.0017 in 2022. The annual blood examination rate was consistently >10 from 22.05 in 2018 to 24.36 in 2022. The primary vectors identified were Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles stephensi. In 2018, there were six cases of Plasmodium vivax and one case of Plasmodium falciparum reported as imported cases. In 2021 and 2022, two cases of P. vivax were reported. Notably, there were no instances of mixed infections or indigenous cases documented from 2018 to 2022 Conclusions Although the level of outbreak preparedness in the region is satisfactory, the effectiveness of vector control measures appears to be lacking. Increased government funding is needed along with comprehensive training and workshops for healthcare workers. Adequate financial resources and enhanced skills among healthcare workers are crucial to reinforce the existing efforts to control vectors and prevent potential outbreaks effectively.

Ethnobotany and Conservation of Population Eminence with Special Emphasis on Medicinal Plants from Ramanagara District Forests, Karnataka, India

Ethnobotany and Conservation of Population Eminence with Special Emphasis on Medicinal Plants from Ramanagara District Forests, Karnataka, India

Development of schedule caste farmers through integrated farming system in Ramanagara district of southern Karnataka

Development of schedule caste farmers through integrated farming system in Ramanagara district of southern Karnataka

Knowledge Assessment of Beneficiary Farmers of Technical Service Centres (TSCs) about Recommended Technologies of Sericulture in Karnataka State of India

Sericulture in Karnataka is in the process of modernization in many phases through new demand driven extension approach called Technical Service Centres (TSCs) located at the grass-root level (Hobli and Taluka level). These centres are mainly involved in the dissemination of the technologies developed by the Research Institutes and also in supply of mulberry cuttings/saplings, monitoring mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and providing information about loan facilities and subsidy schemes. There is a need to study the attitude of sericulture beneficiary farmers towards activities of TSCs. The study was conducted during 2018-20 in the Karnataka state which contribute 35 per cent of silk production in India. An ex-post facto research design was used or the study. Knowledge test was constructed to measure the knowledge of sericulture farmers on recommended sericulture technologies. The Ramanagara and Mandya districts were selected because these district have highest number of TSCs in Bangalore and Mysore division respectively. Mandya, Malavalli and K.R Pet taluks from Mandya district as well as Ramanagara, Channapatna and Kanakapura taluks from Ramanagara district were selected for the study with four TSCs from each taluk. Totally, 24 TSCs were selected for the study. Ten sericulture farmers under each TSC, collectively 240, were selected by using random sampling method. The study highlighted that more than half (52.50%) and more than one third (36.25%) of the sericulture farmers had medium and high knowledge on recommended technologies of sericulture respectively. Only just more than one tenth (11.25%) of the sericulture farmers had low knowledge on recommended technologies of sericulture. The probable reason might be due to fact that sericulture farmers were regularly consulting from officials of grainage centres, TSC extension functionaries, input dealers and peer group about the information on latest sericulture technologies.

Profile of poisoning cases in a tertiary care centre in rural South India

BACKGROUND: Poisoning is the fourth most common cause of mortality in rural India. The commonest agents in India appear to be pesticides, sedatives, chemicals, alcohol, animal plant toxins and household toxins. Our hospital receives an average of 20 to 25 poisoning cases every month.&#x0D; AIMS: To profile all cases of poisoning those are reported to casualty department at Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research (CDSIMER); to study the types and frequency of poisoning cases admitted to the centre; to study the socio demographic associations of the poisoning cases.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present study is a hospital record-based retrospective observational study of acute poisoning cases registered in the medicolegal register in the casualty of CDSIMER, which is a tertiary care centre situated in rural area near Harohalli, Ramanagara District, India.&#x0D; RESULTS: Males constituted 58% of the cases and 33.52% of the cases were in the age group of 21–30 years. 81.4% of the cases were able to reach hospital between 1 to 8 hours. 56% of the cases recovered and were discharged within 3 days. In 22 cases the duration of admission was more than 2 weeks as they went into complications. Organo phosphorus group of insecticide was the most common type of poison consumed constituting to 40.8% of the cases followed by Snake bite. Attempt to suicide (60.35%) was more common than accidental poisoning.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Insecticides mainly Organophosphorus compound are the most common group of poisons which causes morbidity and mortality in rural Indian population especially in young adults between 21 to 40 years. Owing to the presence of forests in the region, Snake bite becomes the second largest type of poisoning. Suicide frequently prevails in the rural areas; financial problem is the leading cause for farmers to commit suicide.

COVID-19 Mortality in the Delta Wave in India: A Hospital-Based Study From Ramanagara District, Karnataka.

Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) disease spread rapidly over the world since its inception in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. India too was crippled by the burden of high caseloads and deaths. The first death caused by COVID-19in Karnataka was reported on March 13, 2020. There is a plethora of information on the descriptive statistics, epidemiology, and management of COVID-19 cases. However, there has not beenan in-depth and extensive exploration of COVID-19 mortality data in terms of published research from India. The study area was a 300 bedded tertiary care center in Ramnagara district, Karnataka. During the second wave, 150 beds were dedicated to COVID-19 cases referred from government centers. This study was carried out to assess the in-hospital mortality at this institute during the second wave. The expected outcome of this study was to shed light on co-morbidities associated with mortality, the age and sex distribution in mortality, and any other significant factors influencing mortality due to COVID-19. A hospital-based, retrospective, and observational-analytical study was carried out during April-August 2021, the second wave of COVID-19.The data included all deaths recorded in-hospital during the dedicated COVID-19 referral center status.Data were collected from case sheets and mortality audit formsthat included basic demographics, symptoms, co-morbidities, admission pathway, transfer to ICU, oxygen therapy, ventilator requirement, duration of hospitalization, laboratory profile, and management modalities prior to death. Data were compiled into Microsoft Excel and were analyzed with JASP software (open source). Data were interpreted in terms of frequencies, averages with standard deviation, and bivariate and multivariate analysis. We analyzed mortality audits of 91 adult patients and one neonate. The male-to-female ratio was1.67:1(> 60% male), with an average age of 53.4 years (standard deviation 15.4 years).Most of the patients fell in the age range of 36 to 65 years (65%).The average duration was 5.6 days (range 0-35 days).The most common symptom was fever (84, 92.31%), followed by breathlessness (77, 84.62%) and fatigue (65, 71.43%). Only 10 had a positive contact history and only one patient reported travel to a containment zone. The source of infection was indeterminate in the majority of cases.Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the commonest associated comorbidities. Almost three-quarters of the patients were tachypneic at admission and nearly 90% had low levels which included 43 patients with critically low SpO2. Theinflammatory indicators, such as WBC count, CRP, and d-dimer, were raised in many patients (WBC count raised in 40% and d-dimer, CRP raised in > 50% of cases). A striking 83% of the patients had hyperglycemia.The most common immediate cause of death pertained to the respiratory system (ARDS, refractory hypoxia, respiratory) in more than half of the patients. This study reported the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 91 adult COVID-19 mortality cases at a teaching hospital at the peak of the Delta wave in Karnataka.While inflammatory indicators such as WBC count, CRP, and d-dimer were raised in many patients, our most remarkable finding was the high frequency of hyperglycemia. The findings of our study would contribute to enhancing the understanding of the clinical correlates and progression of COVID-19.

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Mapping of Burugamaradoddi Microwatershed of Ramanagara Taluk, Ramanagara District, Karnataka

The present investigation was conducted to know the soil fertility status of Burugamaradoddi microwatershed of Ramanagara district. The soil samples were collected from 0-15 cm soil depth from 70 locations. Soil fertility maps were prepared for pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and available sulphur, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, available boron and available micronutrients viz., iron, manganese, zinc, copper and zinc. Results revealed that the soils were slightly acidic (pH: 5.35-8.32) to moderately alkaline and electrical conductivity of soil were non- saline to slightly saline. The organic carbon status ranged from low to high (0.15-0.90%), and available nitrogen was mostly low. The soil available phosphorus was low to medium; available potassium was in low to medium range and exchangeable calcium and magnesium were found in sufficient range, available sulphur was in low to high range. Regarding available micronutrients, boron and zinc were in low category and level of copper, iron and manganese were in sufficient range. The assessment of soil fertility in Burugamaradoddi micro-watershed revealed that, watershed had better soil fertility status in soil.

Correlates for the severity of suicidal risk in participants with common mental disorders with comorbid chronic medical conditions in rural primary healthcare settings in India.

Suicide is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India. There are limited studies assessing factors linked to the severity of suicidal risk in patients with depression and comorbid chronic medical disorders in primary healthcare (PHC) settings. This study examines factors linked to suicidal risk among participants in a cluster randomized controlled trial of collaborative care intervention (Healthier Options through Empowerment (HOPE Study)). The setting was at 49 PHC in the rural Ramanagara District of Karnataka State in southern India. Study eligibility criteria included being ≥30 years with at least mild depression or generalized anxiety disorder and at least one medical condition (cardiovascular disorder or type 2 diabetes mellitus). The severity of suicidal risk at baseline was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and other measures included the severity of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9-items (PHQ-9)), the severity of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7-items (GAD-7)), disability, social support, quality of life, number of comorbid chronic medical illnesses, and body mass index (BMI). Chi-square tests and independent-samples t-tests were used to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of the no-low and mod-high suicidal risk groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates associated with the mod-high suicidal risk group. Mod-high suicidal risk was significantly positively associated with the severity of depression and disability and significantly negatively associated with social support. The severity of depression, higher disability scores, and lower social support were found to be independent correlates of mod-high suicidal risk. Screening, managing depression, and facilitating social support for patients with chronic medical illness in PHC settings may reduce suicidal risk.

Constructing a Reproductive Health Account Under National Health Accounts Framework at Sub-District Levels in Karnataka, India

Reproductive Health Account construction was a long-envisioned dream in the State of Karnataka, India, for capturing inter-actor fund flows in reproductive health. Previous attempts in few states lead to successful identification of enablers and disablers within this systemic context. A Reproductive Health Account was constructed using primary reproductive health expenditure data, collected from a pre-estimated sample size of 519 households spread across 15 villages, using probability proportional to size method, from two selected sub-districts Channapatna and Ramanagara, having mediocre performance indices, within Ramanagara District of Karnataka. Secondary data were extracted from public health websites. Expenditures incurred on six types of health services by respondents of reproductive age group (15–49) during financial year, 2017–2018, within two sub-districts was collected over financial year, 2018–2019. Processed data were then converted to four ‘origin to destination’ matrices each capturing fund movement among two actors, based on accounting principles of National Health Account to develop a contextual Reproductive Health Account. Study included four actors namely financial sources, financial agents, health providers and health activities, all pertaining to reproductive health domain. Matrices helped identify a massive 87.23% burden on households, majorly financed by mortgage bearing astronomical interests and sale of meagre assets. Public sector healthcare at 5.47% was found performing unsatisfactorily. Tertiary level was absorbing disproportional amount of 62.93% funds in conjunction with the laboratory and imaging services. Moreover, pharmaceutical bills at 22.97% caused prolonged distress to these households. Government intervention towards absence and shortage of quality infrastructure at the primary and secondary sector levels needs reviewing, for containment of the massive out-of-pocket expenditures.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MID UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE (MUAC) AND BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) OF CHILDREN AGED 7-12 YEARS IN GANUKUL VILLAGE, RAMANAGARA DISTRICT, BENGALURU RURAL.

Background: In India and worldwide overweight or obesity in paediatric age group has become one of the most important health problems. Overweight / obesity is a proved risk factor for several signicant complications and tracks in adulthood. Body mass index (BMI) is used as a clinical assessment of overweight and obesity in children and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is used as an assessment for nutritional status. I would like to compare Mid upper arm circumference and Body mass index. To Objective: compare the mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) with that of body mass index (BMI) of the study population 7-12 years in Ganukul village, Ramanagara district, Bengaluru rural. Materials And Methods: This is a study done in children aged 7-12 years in Ganukul village, Ramanagara district, Bengaluru rural. Following ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee, the study was conducted in schools belonging to the study area. The children were visited in the school and after consent being obtained from the parents by visiting their house. Base line data including age, gender, demographic data, socioeconomic status was noted. Following this standard anthropometric measurement including weight in Kilogram, Height in centimeters, mid upper arm circumference in centimeter, body mass index was measured using standard measurement protocols. Weight was measured without shoes with the help of digital machine to the nearest 500 grams. Height was measured with stadiometer to the nearest completed centimeter or child standing against the wall with the bare foot should look straight, standing in relaxed manner with arms hanging by the side, they should stand with both feet and knees closes together, head kept in Frankfurt plane (the line joining the lower margin of the orbit and upper margin of the external auditory canal should be parallel to ground). Age was calculated from date of birth. MUAC was measured with non-stretchable measuring tape to nearest millimeter. BMI was measured by weight in KG / height in m2 Results: Compared to MUAC and BMI, BMI was the best predictor for overweight and obesity compared to MUAC as evidenced by statistically signicant adjusted odd's ratio. On the other hand MUAC was a better predictor of underweight compared to BMI but the adjusted odd's ratio was not statistically signicant. Conclusion: BMI is a better predicator for over weight , MUAC is a better predictor for underweight. K

Assessment and spatial distribution of groundwater quality in Bidadi industrial area, Ramanagara district, Karnataka using water quality index (WQI) and GIS

Assessment and spatial distribution of groundwater quality in Bidadi industrial area, Ramanagara district, Karnataka using water quality index (WQI) and GIS

Epidemiologic Studies, Acute Poisoning, Organophosphorous Compounds, House hold Products.

With the increasing frequency of mass disasters, the identification of mutilated remains becomes quite challenging. With commingling, identification becomes further difficult. During such investigations, there is a need to estimate the stature to narrow down the identity of the dead. Estimation of stature is more accurate and reliable using long bones than any other part of the body. Despite a need for such a study, there is a lack of systematic studies to identify fragmented and dismembered human remains. aim: The aim of the present study is to analyze the anthropometric relationship between forearm length and body height in both sexes specifically for a population of South India. materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine &amp; Toxicology, Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, Ramanagara District, Karnataka in the year 2022. The material consisted of 180 young and healthy students (90 males and 90 females) in the age group of 18-24 years after taking informed consent to participate in the study. Subjects of south Indian origin were selected based on their mother tongue. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 26.0) computer software. results: In the present study, mean stature and forearm length were significantly higher in males than in females. A statistically significant correlation was observed between stature and forearm length. The correlation coefficient was higher among males than females. Linear regression models derived for the reconstruction of stature in males y = 2.5345 (forearm length) + 101.64 and in females is y = 3.4513 (forearm length) + 73.879. conclusion: The study concludes that stature can be estimated from forearm length with reasonable accuracy among South Indians. Sex-specific linear regression formulae were derived for estimating stature from forearm length.

Ethno-medico-botanical studies of Eruliga and Lambani tribes of Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district of Karnataka

A study was carried out on the ethno-medico-botanical knowledge of Eruliga and Lambani tribal communities including the native Vaidyas of other communities in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district of Karnataka. The field survey and documentation of indigenous medicinal knowledge and medicinal plants was conducted from September 2019 to March 2022. A total of 417 formulations consisting of 217 medicinal plants practiced by 140 traditional practitioners were documented. The study is a positive step towards documenting the traditional medicinal knowledge, which is on the verge of extinction in future. It will help the scientific community to uphold the ancient medicinal knowledge for the betterment of society.

A Study on Consumer Perception Towards Digital Payment

The digital economy, electronic commerce and electronic banking are now being used by the new technologies and the wider global network, especially internet, within and outwardly. Increasing use of internet, electronic devices and government initiative such as digital India with a vision to transforming India into digital society by cashless transaction. After demonetization in India the digital payment system emerged tremendously. In recent days many changes took place in the payment system like digital wallets, UPI, AEPS, QR code and BHIM apps for smooth shift to digital payments. The study investigates a customer’s perception towards Digital payments. The structured questionnaire was used as research tool for understanding consumer perception of digital payment. Primary data was collected from respondents in Ramanagara district and Bangalore district.

Influence of media (internet and smartphone applications) on infant and young child feeding practices among mothers of children under 5 years availing health care in a rural hospital in Ramanagara district, Karnataka

Background: Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are a key strategy to reduce under-5 mortality. Increasing mobile technology penetration in rural areas can influence IYCF practices. Aims: This study aims to assess IYCF practices among mothers of children under 5, in a rural maternity hospital in Ramanagara district and its association with the use of various mass media including internet and smartphones. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 89 mothers and a pre-tested face-validated semi-structured interview schedule was administered to collect information regarding sociodemographic details, IYCF practices, and use of media. Results: The mean age of the study population was 23.84±3.5 years. About 44.9% of them had their last child in the age group of 6–24 months. About 87.6% of them were breastfed within the 1st h of birth. The mean age of starting complementary feeding was 7±2.6 months. About 98.9% had access to a smartphone, however, only 19.1% used WhatsApp videos and messages and 12.3% internet to search for information regarding IYCF practices. Almost all respondents reported health-care providers as their primary source of information regarding IYCF practices. Conclusion: IYCF practices of the study population were better than national average. These findings highlight the importance of the role of grassroot level workers and primary care physicians in imparting knowledge among mothers in IYCF practices. The scope of using media to bring about behavior change communication in this context can be explored.

DECADAL TRANSFORMATION OF LAND USE - LAND COVER AND FUTURE SPATIAL EXPANSION IN BANGALORE METROPOLITAN REGION, INDIA: OPEN-SOURCE GEOSPATIAL MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH

Abstract. Land use and land cover (LULC) are the terms by which we can denote how the people are utilising the land to serve different purposes and what covers the earth's surface, respectively. This study will present LULC changes and future spatial expansion of the Bangalore Metropolitan Region (BMR), which comprises of Bangalore urban district, Bangalore rural district, and Ramanagara district. The Bangalore metropolitan region is spread across an area of 8005 sq. km and is undergoing a phase of rapid population expansion, which causes increasing concrete space and decreasing green space. This study will focus on achieving the following objectives: Comparing the Spatio-temporal changes, accessing the pattern of expansion, future projection of LULC pattern in Bangalore Metropolitan Region, and finding how the population growth impacts the land use changes. The study is based on an urban expansion model for the years 2030 and 2050 in BMR. The study has used two add-on tools, i.e., the Dzetsaka classification tool and Modules for Land Use Change Simulations (MOLUSCE) in QGIS, to generate the land cover transformation. The core upshots of this technique show the land use and land cover transformation, and urban expansion pattern in the Bangalore Metropolitan Region. It also illustrates the Spatio-temporal changes and how dispersion or expansion has occurred in the last five decades and predicts the future three decades changes. The results are expected to aid society and several organisations such as city planners and policymakers.