Spatiotemporal analysis of land use and land cover dynamics using multi-temporal remote sensed imagery and quantifying landscape fragmentation: A case study of Chandannagar Municipal Corporation (CMC), West Bengal, India

The rapid population growth in developing countries has resulted in increasing pressure on land resources in both urban and rural areas. The growth of the urban population has been one of the major driving forces of change in the urban environment, leading to the development of suburban areas. This has resulted in the loss of other land uses, such as agricultural land and forests at the urban fringes, reducing ecosystem services' availability. Land use/ Land cover (LULC) dynamics and landscape fragmentation are critical aspects of studying the complex interactions between human activities and the environment. This study focuses on Chandannagar Municipal Corporation, characterized by diverse land uses due to its abundant agricultural resources, rapid urbanization. Employing Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, we analyze multi-temporal satellite imagery and land cover data. Through LULC change detection analysis, we identify and quantify spatial and temporal patterns of land use transformation. Landscape metrics are employed to evaluate fragmentation, offering quantitative insights into the spatial arrangement and connectivity of various land cover types. This research provides valuable insights into LULC dynamics and landscape fragmentation in Chandannagar Municipal Corporation. The results highlight the extent and rate of land use changes, including the conversion of agricultural lands, expansion of urban areas, and changes in vegetation cover. The assessment of landscape fragmentation reveals the degree of spatial heterogeneity and connectivity within the landscape, indicating areas of high fragmentation and potential ecological consequences. The outcomes of this research contribute to the existing knowledge base on land use planning, resource management, and sustainable development in Chandannagar.