Urban expansion and wetland shrinkage estimation using a GIS-based model in the East Kolkata Wetland,India

The usefulness and need for wetland ecosystems are in general, manifold. Nonetheless, their current situation in many parts of the world is truly a matter of concern, both in terms of biodiversity as well as human well-being. While policy development and decision-making are vital, there is also a great need to understand the wetlands transition process, taking into account measures for their conservation. In an attempt towards such an understanding, this study analyses the eco-social transformation of the East Kolkata Wetland (EKW). As a primary step to examine the patterns and drivers of wetland change in the EKW, land cover changes have been quantified. In addition, the significance of the driving factors has been adjudged and modelled using Wetland Shrinkage Monitoring (WSM) model. The outcome shows that wetland shrinkage largely determined by proximity forces of urban growth. While the Markov transition indicates that 46% out of 38 km² wetland tends to alter to other classes, wetland transition 2025 points out that almost 9 km² area is at critical risk. In addition to these findings, the study ascertains that a decent functioning of the local authorities and a comprehensive land use planning are indispensable to curb wetland degradation.