Change Detection Analysis around Talcher Coalfield using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

Remote sensing and GIS is a powerful tool for monitoring land cover and land use changes. This technology has been applied throughout the world for change detection analysis because of less time consuming, accuracy and inaccessible area becomes accessible. The present study focuses to analyze the land cover and land use changes around Talcher coalfield, Odisha. The region is well known for huge coal mining and contributes nearly 16.3% of the India’s total reserve. The land cover change was analyzed for the three different years – 1973, 1990 and 2009. The LANDSAT MSS imagery for 1973 and LANDSAT TM imagery for the years 1990 and 2009 were used for the study. Along with land use and land cover maps, normalized difference vegetation index map of the area for the given time period have been created. It was observed that total loss in forest cover during this period was about 43 km2 while mining area increases nearly 34 km2. The settlements area increase nearly by 28 km2. Surface water body has not suffered much although there is slight decrease in its areal extend. Thus it is clear that large scale mining in Talcher area leads to massive deforestation. Hence it is highly essential to use proper mine closure plan and land reclamation practices for long-term sustainability.