Assessment of Decadal Land Use Dynamics of Upper Catchment Area of Narmada River, the lifeline of Central India

Abstract India is a land of rivers and Narmada is one of the principal river systems and is ascribed as the lifeline of Central India. Freshwater ecosystems such as rivers across the globe are facing degradation due to multitude of anthropogenic stress factors. Holistic and sustainable approach is prerequisite for monitoring, risk assessment and management of such multitude of problems and critical challenges. Geographical Information System (GIS) has emerged as a powerful tool for carrying out scientific and unbiased monitoring and assessment studies as well as understanding the degradation of ecosystems. The present study focuses on decadal land use changes along the upper catchment area of Narmada river basin. Vegetation was spatially analyzed for digitally classifying numerous imageries using the maximum likelihood algorithm (MLA). Six land cover types were identified which includes dense mixed forest, Sal dominated forests, barren landscapes, agricultural fields, water bodies as well as habitation and commercial spaces. The vegetation structure and species composition are important ecological attributes of the ecosystem. Our study area has faced intensification in anthropogenic stress factors, which is observable in our temporal variations study as well. Increasing urbanization and deforestation in river valley regions is alarming and testimony of the fact. Therefore, in order to maintain the river health advocacy at policy level is needed. The current study is an attempt in that direction. It is therefore essential in developing a road-map for sustainable development of this important riparian ecosystem.