International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Satellite-Based Vegetation Monitoring in Charkhi Dadri District: Trends of Deforestation and Afforestation from 1995 to 2024

Using high-resolution satellite imagery from USGS Landsat 5 and Landsat 9, this study looks at the vegetation dynamics of Charkhi Dadri district, Haryana, India, from 1995 to 2024, with an emphasis on afforestation and deforestation patterns. By using spectral analysis and indexes like the NDVI, these datasets were crucial in identifying changes in the vegetative cover. According to the report, urbanization, mining, and agricultural growth were the main causes of the deforestation that resulted in the loss of 545.08 sq. km of vegetation. This is the study's unfavourable conclusion. Afforestation operations, on the other hand, resulted in the recovery of 160.85 sq. km, indicating that reforestation efforts were successful in some places. 323.55 square kilometres have unaltered vegetation, whereas 351.88 square kilometres are completely devoid of vegetation. The district's southern and southwestern areas, where deforestation is most prevalent, show a net loss of vegetation, according to these data. In spite of that, reforestation initiatives in the central and northeastern regions demonstrate beneficial ecological interventions. Vegetation patterns in Charkhi Dadri are greatly influenced by the semi-arid environment, little groundwater, unequal rainfall distribution, and human activity. In order to address the high pace of deforestation, this study highlights the necessity of more robust conservation laws, sustainable land use practices, and improved afforestation initiatives. It emphasizes how crucial it is to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and development in order to preserve the district's ecological integrity and keep its primarily agrarian economy.