Remote Sensing-Based Framework For Ecological Assessment: A Case Study Of Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam Catchment, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Ecological assessment is crucial for sustainable management of resources and human wellbeing. However, Assessing the ecological condition of a region is highly complex, as it is influenced by numerous factors and dynamic processes. In current study, a remote sensing based ecological framework is proposed to quantify the ecological status considering 10 indicators derived directly or indirectly from Landsat and SRTM DEM images, for Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam catchment from year 2000 to 2020. These 10 indicators are selected as ecological indicators defining the landscape, habitant, topography and Hydrological condition of the ecology. The Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam catchment is very important in providing the ecosystem services for human wellbeing in Banswara district of Rajasthan. Each indicator was evaluated, normalised and spatially mapped using analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and geographical information system (GIS). Using the proposed framework, ecological maps were prepared and presented in 5 levels consisting of very poor, poor, average, good and very good ecological status, representing 49.94%, 26.68%, 0.01%, 6.77 and 16.60% for year 2000 and 19.37%, 62.44%, 3.38%, 8.95% and 5.86%  for year 2020, of the study area, respectively.  It is identified that there is quantitively shift from very poor ecological areas to poor one from year 2000 to 2020 but 64.6% change in very good ecological conditions has been observed due to increase in anthropogenic activities. The proposed is feasible for evaluating long-term ecological change and quantification of ecological status. The proposed remote sensing based ecological framework integrates indicators using GIS, AHP and PCA  for ecological monitoring and assessment is useful for ecosystem services, environmental protection and proper planning of available resources for future needs and provide the alarming locations for further developments.