Forest cover change detection of Western Ghats of Maharashtra using satellite remote sensing based visual interpretation technique

摘要

In this article, we attempt to quantify change in forest area of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra over a 20-year time period (1985-87 to 2005) using visual interpretation technique at 1 : 250 K scale. The study was conducted using the Forest Survey of India vegetation maps for 1985-87, prepared using Landsat TM data and IRS LISS III imagery for 2005. The results reveal loss of dense forest at an annual rate of 0.72% and that of open forest at 0.49%. It also reports an increase in mangrove vegetation and water bodies in the study area. In addition, it also reports districtwise pattern of change in forest cover.