Recent research conducted by Memon Akil from the Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering has unveiled critical insights into the land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Panam River Watershed over a twelve-year span, from 2011 to 2023. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Landsat imagery and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification within ArcGIS software, Akil’s study highlights significant transformations that could have profound implications for the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors.
The research identifies four primary LULC classes: settlement, waterbodies, agricultural land, and wasteland. The findings reveal a concerning trend: settlements and wastelands have increased by 2.3% and 9%, respectively, while waterbodies and agricultural land have decreased by 1.95% and 9.38%. “These changes not only reflect urban expansion but also pose serious environmental challenges that could impact water quality and availability in the watershed,” Akil stated.
The implications of these findings are particularly relevant for stakeholders in the water and sanitation sectors. As settlements encroach on agricultural and waterbody areas, the potential for water quality degradation rises, which could lead to increased costs for water treatment and sanitation infrastructure. The decline in agricultural land also raises alarms about food security and the sustainability of local farming practices, which are crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Moreover, the increase in wastelands suggests a loss of productive land, which could further strain local resources. “Understanding these shifts is vital for developing sustainable land management practices that can mitigate environmental impacts,” Akil emphasized. This research not only provides a detailed analysis of LULC changes but also serves as a call to action for policymakers and urban planners to prioritize sustainable development strategies.
As the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors face mounting challenges from urbanization and environmental degradation, studies like Akil’s offer critical data that can inform decision-making and strategic planning. The findings, published in the ‘E3S Web of Conferences’ (translated as ‘Environmental, Earth, and Energy Sciences Web of Conferences’), underscore the importance of integrating scientific research into practical applications for sustainable water management.
For further details on this research and its implications, you can visit the Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering.
