Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets

Ridham Maheriya1; Bina Patel

doi:10.35208/ert.1557156

Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets

Abstract

Wetlands, which are either periodically or permanently inundated by water, play a crucial role in our ecosystems. They aid in flood control, recharge groundwater, preserve biodiversity, improve water quality, and help to manage climate change. Coastal wetlands are particularly important as they support habitats, reduce erosion, and encourage tourism. However, rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization has resulted in significant degradation of these vital areas. Remote sensing and GIS technologies are helpful in identifying, mapping, and assessing wetland changes, essential for sustainable water management. This study aims to assess the long-term changes in India’s major coastal wetlands—Mumbai-Thane Creek (Maharashtra), Mandovi-Zuari Estuary (Goa), Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka), Vembanadu Lake (Kerala), Vedaranyam Swamp (Tamil Nadu), Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh), and Chilika Lagoon (Odisha)—using the global surface water dataset (1984–2015), Landsat imagery, and GIS tools. The findings suggest varied trends for wetlands: Mumbai-Thane Creek and Mandovi-Zuari Estuary shrank by 8.7% and 0.1%, respectively, while Aghanashini Estuary and Vembanadu Lake increased by 3.8% and 1.8%. Chilika Lagoon noted the highest increase, i.e., 0.9% (1,417 Ha of permanent water). Vedaranyam Swamp and Pulicat Lake presented nominal changes. The changes are influenced by seasonal flooding, beach accretion, and mangrove growth. The study emphasizes the crucial role of geoinformatics in monitoring wetland status and offers valuable insights for sustainable wetland management. The study highlights the importance of targeted environmental policies to protect India's coastal wetland ecosystems and supports decision-making for urban planning, fisheries development, aquaculture, hydrology, and the protection of biodiversity.

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Thanks

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Surface Water Hydrology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ridham Maheriya1
0009-0009-1606-394X
India

Bina Patel ^*
0000-0002-3787-8496
India

Early Pub Date

November 18, 2025

Publication Date

December 31, 2025

Submission Date

September 27, 2024

Acceptance Date

January 6, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 8 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1557156

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA57JF26ER

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Maheriya1, R., & Patel, B. (2025). Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets. Environmental Research and Technology, 8(4), 843-855. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1557156

AMA

1.Maheriya1 R, Patel B. Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets. ERT. 2025;8(4):843-855. doi:10.35208/ert.1557156

Chicago

Maheriya1, Ridham, and Bina Patel. 2025. “Long Term Changes of the Major Coastal Wetlands of India Using Global Surface Water Datasets”. Environmental Research and Technology 8 (4): 843-55. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1557156.

EndNote

Maheriya1 R, Patel B (December 1, 2025) Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets. Environmental Research and Technology 8 4 843–855.

IEEE

[1]R. Maheriya1 and B. Patel, “Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets”, ERT, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 843–855, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.35208/ert.1557156.

ISNAD

Maheriya1, Ridham - Patel, Bina. “Long Term Changes of the Major Coastal Wetlands of India Using Global Surface Water Datasets”. Environmental Research and Technology 8/4 (December 1, 2025): 843-855. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1557156.

JAMA

1.Maheriya1 R, Patel B. Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets. ERT. 2025;8:843–855.

MLA

Maheriya1, Ridham, and Bina Patel. “Long Term Changes of the Major Coastal Wetlands of India Using Global Surface Water Datasets”. Environmental Research and Technology, vol. 8, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 843-55, doi:10.35208/ert.1557156.

Vancouver

1.Ridham Maheriya1, Bina Patel. Long term changes of the major coastal wetlands of India using global surface water datasets. ERT. 2025 Dec. 1;8(4):843-55. doi:10.35208/ert.1557156