Evaluation Wetlands Ecosystem Health using Geospatial Technology: Evidence from Lower Gangetic Flood Plain in India
Abstract The lower Gangetic flood plain of West Bengal occupies diversified riverine and floodplain wetlands. These wetlands played a significant role maintain ecosystem health and supports for human wellbeing. This paper presents the health of wetland ecosystem by comprising the wetland ecosystem health index (WEHI) in 2011 and 2018 at block level of Malda district, as a part of lower Gangetioc flood plain using pressure – state – response model (PSR model) and AHP method. A total number of six Landsat satellite images and statistical census data were used to determine the wetland. Wetlands are classified as very healthy, healthy, sub-healthy, unhealthy and sick category on the basis of wetland ecosystem health index score. Results showed the health of wetland ecosystem has slightly decreased from 2011 to 2018. 13.33% of blocks are fall under sick category in 2011. 26.67% block are comes under very healthy category in 2011 but it decrease to 20% in 2018. The heath of wetland ecosystem in Harischandrapur – II, Ratua-II, Maldah (Old), English Bazar, Bamongola, Habibpur, Chanchal-I and Kaliachak – II blocks are degrading from 2011 to 2018. This may be attributed to the increasing urbanization rate and associated growth of infrastructure. Developing local level institutions is useful measures to manage wetland resource; and protect biodiversity should be guided by the Government organization and NGOs for its mitigation measure.