Cyclone-Driven Coastal Erosion and Land Use-Land Cover Changes in the Talsari-Shankarpur Coastal Tract, West Bengal, India: Impacts of Amphan and Yaas

The Talsari-Shankarpur coastal tract, along the Bay of Bengal, has witnessed accelerated environmental and socio-economic changes due to Cyclones Amphan (2020) and Yaas (2021). This study examines the impacts of these cyclones on shoreline stability, land use, and community livelihoods through satellite imagery, field surveys, and socio-economic assessments. Results indicate severe coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands, contamination of freshwater sources, and extensive damage to infrastructure and coastal establishments. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) analysis between 2010 and 2022 shows a marked decline in paddy fields, vegetation cover, and sand deposits, with simultaneous increases in fallow lands, betel cultivation, marshlands, and built-up areas. These transformations highlight both ecological stress and a shift in livelihood practices. The findings call for integrated coastal management, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable land-use planning to mitigate long-term risks and enhance adaptive capacity in cyclone-prone coastal regions.