Analysis of land surface temperature and its correlation with urban, water, vegetation, and surface indices in the Siliguri Urban Agglomeration area of the Himalayan foothill region

This study examines the variations in Land Surface Temperature (LST) and its correlation with urban, water, vegetation, and surface indices in the Siliguri Urban Agglomeration area in the Himalayan foothill region. The rapid urbanization of Siliguri, characterized by its diverse landscape and escalating economic activities, presents an opportunity to investigate the impacts of urban expansion on local climatic conditions. Utilizing remote sensing data and GIS technology, the study analyzes LST changes and correlates them with the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The findings reveal a significant increase in LST over the past decades, closely tied to the expansion of urban areas and the reduction in vegetation and water bodies. The study highlights a strong correlation between LST and NDBI, indicating the pronounced effect of urbanization on local temperature regimes. The inverse relationship between LST and NDVI/NDWI underscores the cooling influence of vegetative and aquatic surfaces. These insights are pivotal for urban planning and sustainable development in the Himalayan foothills, offering methodologies applicable to similar urbanizing regions. The research emphasizes integrating natural elements in urban landscapes to mitigate the urban heat island effect and adapt to climate change challenges.