Mapping and intensity of land use /land cover dynamics in Tawa river Basin, India

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes have significant environmental and socio-economic implications, necessitating systematic quantification and assessment. This study analyses LULC transitions over two time periods, 1999–2009 and 2009–2019, focusing on key land categories: Forest (FRSD), Agriculture (AGRL), Water Bodies (WATR), Rangeland (RNGE), and Urban Land (URLD). The results indicate substantial land transformations, with agricultural land expansion (637 km², 8.07 annual gain intensity in 2009–2019) occurring at the expense of forest cover (597 km², 1.14 annual gain intensity in 1999–2009). Urban expansion showed a significant increase in intensity, particularly in 2009–2019, with URLD growing by 54.2 km² (9.17 annual gain intensity). Hydrological changes were evident, with water body reduction from 135 km² in 1999–2009 to 154 km² in 2009–2019, significantly impacting ecosystem stability. The transition analysis reveals substantial conversions, including 115 km² of agricultural land shifting to forest cover in 2009–2019, while 10.5 km² of water bodies transitioned to forested areas. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of LULC changes driven by anthropogenic and environmental factors, highlighting the need for sustainable land management strategies.