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

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 843 - 855, 31.12.2025

Ridham Maheriya1 , Bina Patel

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

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.

Keywords

Coastal wetlands , global surface water dataset , permanent water , sustainable water management

Ethical Statement

Not Applicable

Supporting Institution

Not Applicable

Project Number

Not Applicable

Thanks

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