Assessing the Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Wetland Landscape Patterns and Hydroecology: A Case Study of the Bakhira Wetland, India

Wetlands are among the most vital ecosystems on Earth, offering numerous ecosystem services such as habitats for biodiversity, water purification, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation. The Bakhira Wetland, located in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, is a designated Ramsar Site and was selected for this study to assess hydro ecologic and landscape changes. Agricultural expansion in the region has led to significant loss of natural vegetation, increased landscape fragmentation, and severe threats to wetland communities and biodiversity. These changes have adversely impacted the hydrological richness that sustains water resources. In recent years, the Bakhira Wetland has also faced challenges such as invasive species encroachment, water quality deterioration, and habitat fragmentation, primarily driven by continuous agricultural development. These issues have further affected migratory bird species, falling the ecological balance of the region. This study used remote sensing data to analyze land use and land cover changes, water extent shrinkage, siltation, aquatic vegetation dynamics, urbanization, and wetland landscape fragmentation. Results revealed a significant decline in water extent during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, largely due to excessive aquatic plant growth and substantial water withdrawals. The extent of agricultural land in the Bakhira catchment expanded from 62.44 km² in 2000 to 114.93 km² in 2022, while built-up areas grew from 5.77 km² to 8.40 km² over the same period. The study emphasized substantial habitat fragmentation and reduced ecological connectivity, particularly during the dry season, due to intensified human activities. Landscape diversity and fragmentation indices indicated an increase in the number of patches and patch density, reflecting a more fragmented habitat. However, metrics such as the Number of Patches (NP) and the Large Patch Index (LPI) showed a decline, signifying smaller, less cohesive, and more isolated patches. This fragmentation disrupts ecological flows and hinders species movement, raising concerns about long-term biodiversity conservation in the wetland. To address these challenges, sustainable practices in catchment areas are essential. This includes adopting strategies for improved cropland management, water conservation, and wetland rehabilitation. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the hydrological functioning of wetlands and can guide future efforts in wetland resource protection, sustainable utilization, and the development of infrastructure for rational surface water use. Additionally, restoring degraded agricultural lands is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Bakhira Wetland.