Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Makwanpur District, Chure Region, Nepal

Abstract

The research is outlined within the spatio-temporal dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) in Makwanpur District, adjacent to the ecologically sensitive Chure (Churia) region. We quantify and interpret changes across eight land-use categories based on remote-sensing data from 2000, 2010, and 2019, obtained from Landsat imagery, and analyzed in a GIS platform. Findings reveal that built-up areas (+0.55%) and forest cover (+6.2%) have increased significantly, with slight reductions in cropland (-5.28%), grassland (-1.21%), and riverbeds. The paper addresses the need for integrated land-use planning and conservation practices in the Chure region to mitigate ecological degradation and promote sustainable development. The study aims to detect and quantify land-cover changes and analyze the driving forces and consequences of these changes. It provides critical data for resource management and environmental protection in the geologically fragile Chure Hills. Methods include remote sensing (e.g., Landsat imagery) and geographic information systems (GIS) for data processing, image classification, and spatial analysis. Specific techniques include supervised classification using platforms such as Google Earth Engine (GEE) and ArcGIS, followed by spatial analysis to map temporal changes and to identify factors such as deforestation and soil erosion.