A Study on the Shoreline Changes and Landuse/Landcover Along the Ennore Creek

The Ennore Creek, located in North Chennai, is a delicate ecosystem that spans an area of approximately 4 km2. It acts as a boundary between salt and freshwater, but has been negatively impacted by pollution from industries and residential areas, leading to degradation of its water bodies, woodlands, salt pans, and marine species. A study was conducted using Landsat data from 1989, 2015, and 2019, as well as ArcMap 10.4, ERDAS Imagine, and Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software, to understand changes in land use and river mouth closure/opening due to erosion and accretion. Shoreline changes are an important aspect to consider in the study of creek ecosystems. Longshore drift, tidal currents, and wave action can result in changes to the shoreline through processes such as longshore sediment transport and beach accretion or erosion. By analyzing the LPR and EPR, the study can determine the direction and magnitude of shoreline change and assess the stability of the creek's shoreline. This information can be used to inform management strategies for mitigating erosion and promoting shoreline accretion. The study can also provide a better understanding of the impact of human activities, such as coastal development and wastewater discharge, on shoreline change and stability. The study recommends implementing proper land use and land cover management strategies to protect the creek's sensitive areas, enforcing stricter laws to monitor industrial development along water courses, and implementing stringent legal provisions to prevent wastewater discharge into surface water bodies for the sustenance of the creek ecosystem.