Coal Mining-induced Spatial-temporal Variation in Forest Canopy Density in the Lekhapani Range of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, Assam, India

Forest canopy density (FCD) is an essential indication of forest health and biodiversity, influencing ecological stability and climate regulation. This study analyses the spatial-temporal variation of FCD in the Lekhapani Range of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve, Assam, using Landsat satellite imagery from 1993, 2003, 2013, and 2023. Remote sensing and GIS techniques were employed to compute FCD using vegetation and shadow indices. The data reveal a notable increase in dense forest cover from 1993 to 2003, followed by severe degradation between 2003 and 2013 and partial restoration by 2023. High and very high FCD areas dropped substantially after 2003, whereas low and very low FCD areas expanded, illustrating the impact of deforestation, mining, and agricultural encroachment. The mean FCD value, which peaked in 2003, remains substantially lower in 2023, demonstrating insufficient forest recovery. The findings underline the urgent need for sustainable forest management, conservation regulations, and reforestation efforts to restore ecological integrity. Future studies should focus on high-resolution monitoring, climate change impacts, and community-driven conservation initiatives to maintain long-term forest sustainability in the region.