Machine learning-based LULC change detection and environmental implications in Bankura, West Bengal, India

In this study, we focused on the rapid land use and land cover (LULC) changes in Bankura in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2024, employing an integrated remote sensing, geospatial, and statistical approach to track land use changes. The supervised classification technique and change detection analysis were applied with the Supper Vector Machine (SVM), Maximum Likelihood (ML), and Random Forest (RF) methods to identify land use classes in various categories like Dense Forest, Open Forest, water body, agricultural land, settlement, barren land, and sand. The Kappa Coefficient was used for the accuracy assessment, which revealed that the overall accuracy of 1990 was 93.33%, 2000 was 93.23%, 2010 was 93.43%, and 2024 was 90%. The analysis revealed a significant increase in built-up land from agricultural and forested areas, with a higher percentage of agricultural land converted to built-up areas observed between 1990 and 2024. During this interval, the built-up land area increased by approximately 13.6%, primarily due to the conversion of agricultural land and forest cover. Agricultural land decreased by 11.45%, while dense forest cover declined by 7.75%, indicating a significant anthropogenic influence on landscape transformation. Our findings underscore the importance of sustainable land use planning, conservation efforts, and policy interventions in mitigating environmental degradation, leveraging the effectiveness of space-based inputs and geospatial techniques. The research emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and further investigation into socio-economic drivers and environmental consequences to ensure resilient urban management and sustainable development. This reveals the importance of reforestation, preserving water bodies, and developing ecologically sensitive infrastructure. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of sustainable land use planning in mitigating adverse environmental impacts and preserving ecological balance.