Land-Use and Land-Cover Change Detection in a North-Eastern Wetland Ecosystem of Bangladesh Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Abstract Lakshmibaur-Nalair Haor, a freshwater wetland ecosystem is situated in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. This place hosts second largest swamp forest Containing rich biodiversity, this unique area experiences significant landscape changes. study examines land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes between 1989 2019 Haor by operating Landsat multispectral imageries through remote sensing (RS) geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The changing status haor was analyzed initiating normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) modified water (MNDWI). unsupervised classification technique implemented to classify these images into five major classes (vegetation, cropland, bare soil, shallow water, deep bodies) using threshold values NDVI MNDWI. After accuracy assessment, post-classification comparison method performed evaluate change detection. demonstrates that valuable lost ~ 2208.6 ha (37.54%) body 489.6 (8.34%) over last 3 decades. However, it has gained about 1729 (29.39%) 2673 (45.44%) 1124 (28%) soil. Such indicate human interventions such as expansion croplands with increased population pressure. Gradual time enabling local community expand agricultural lands activities during dry season. study’s findings are useful understanding tracking wetlands Bangladesh other similar settings.