Land Use and Land Cover Analysis of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Rapid urbanization in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) region has resulted in significant transformations of land use and land cover (LULC) over the past 15 years. These changes, primarily characterized by the expansion of built-up areas at the expense of vegetation and water bodies, pose challenges to environmental sustainability and urban resilience. This study employs multi-temporal satellite imagery from 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024 to map and quantify LULC dynamics using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Supervised classification, supported by accuracy assessments exceeding 85%, was applied to delineate five key classes: built-up, vegetation, dense vegetation, barren soil, and water bodies. The results reveal a 33% increase in built-up land alongside substantial declines in vegetation (−240 km²) and water bodies (−87 km²). Spatial analysis highlights radial urban growth concentrated around Hyderabad’s core and outward expansion into surrounding districts. These findings demonstrate the ecological pressures of urban sprawl and emphasize the need for integrating geospatial monitoring into urban planning. By providing evidence-based insights, the study supports strategies aimed at conserving ecological resources, mitigating urban heat island effects, and promoting sustainable land management in rapidly growing metropolitan regions.