Assessing the spatial impact of urbanization on surface water bodies using remote sensing and GIS

Abstract

Indian cities are expanding exponentially due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. The unprecedented pace of expansion is a major challenge for surface water management. The shrinkage of surface water bodies is considered as an important criterion by urban planners and policymakers. This research utilizes remote sensing data to address this problem for the suburbs of Chennai. The extent of urbanization is studied through remote sensing data obtained from satellite imagery at 30 m resolution for the year 2019 and land use land cover classification is also carried out to determine the urban built up. The initial surface area of the water bodies were determined using the topographical maps and was then compared with the present areal extent. The result reveals that the urbanization had a significant impact on the spatial extent of surface water bodies. The water bodies have significantly undergone reduction and disappearance due to urban expansion. Proactive land use planning and monitoring are essential to safeguard the ecological value of water bodies.