A comparative analysis of drought indices on vegetation through remote sensing for Latur region of India

Abstract

Drought intensifies stress on the water resource which is already in a critical condition due to rapid urbanization and population growth thus, affecting people, economy, and environment. The drought conditions are worsening in many parts of India due to deficit rainfall, change in land and surface temperature, and vegetation pattern coupled with mismanagement of water resources and poor governance. The present study conducted for Latur, Marathwada is an agricultural rich land which is severely affected due to prolonged drought conditions. A comparative study is presented using the three drought indices VCI, VHI, TCI to analyze the vegetation condition for drought years. The results through TCI detects the drought only during the dry period or in the months where the temperature is high. The VCI detects drought conditions as more sensitive in wet seasons. The VHI combines both the indicators to give comprehensive results about drought conditions. Further, Land Surface Temperature study is conducted to substantiate the analyzed drought conditions. Our study illustrates that the comparative analysis of various indices represents a better interpretation and monitoring of drought for the areas which are majorly affected due to vegetative drought.