ANNOUNCEMENTS
This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) in the Aravalli Range, a critical ecological zone in northwestern India, between 1990 and 2024. The research utilizes multi-temporal Landsat imagery at five-year intervals to analyze changes across five broad LULC classes: forest, agriculture, built-up, barren, and water. The study applies change detection techniques, including the calculation of the Area Rate of Change (ARC%) and transition matrices, to quantify and identify patterns of land cover transformation. The results highlight significant trends such as the loss of forest cover, expansion of agricultural and urban areas, and the degradation of water bodies. For future LULC prediction, a trend-based forecasting model is employed to predict land cover changes for 2030 and 2040. The findings indicate continued urban and agricultural expansion, coupled with a decline in forest and water body areas, particularly in lowland regions. These changes pose risks to ecological stability, water resources, and biodiversity in the region. The study offers insights into the potential future landscape of the Aravalli ecosystem, providing valuable inputs for sustainable land use planning and environmental conservation.
KEY WORDS: spatiotemporal analysis, land use/land cover mapping, trend-based modeling, Area Rate of Change (ARC%), change detection, landscape transformation, future LULC prediction.
