Impact of land use/land cover and mangrove degradation on coastal erosion in Godavari Delta Region, Andhra Pradesh—a geospatial approach

Abstract

The study focused on spatio-temporal changes in land use/land cover and degradation of mangroves which in turn identification of coastal erosion zones along the 185-km long coast line of Godavari delta region, India. This work analyzed multi-date satellite imagery of Landsat 4, 5, 7 and 8 TM and ETM sensors of 2002, 2011, and 2017 which revealed rapid changes in land use/land cover, mangrove degradation and coastal erosion. From the year 2002 to 2011, a decrease in area of about 36.6 km2 of mangroves and coastal erosion of 4.535 km2 is observed whereas from 2011 to February 2017 there is a considerable increase of 19.88 km2 in mangroves is observed. During 2002 to 2017, severe beach erosion of 0.184 and 0.418 km2 occurred at Uppada-Konapapapeta coast and Nilarevu river mouth respectively. Similarly, an accretion of 0.526 km2 is observed in Vakalapudi. This study assessed 16.722 km2 of mangrove degradation and 4.103 km2 of coastal erosion because of conversion of mangroves into aquaculture and agriculture. This study suggests construction of sea walls, groins and to prevent conversion of mangroves into aquaculture and agriculture lands are the suitable measures.