The Analysis and Classification of Land Use and Land Cover Types in Phaltan Tehsil from 1991 to 2025

Abstract: This study investigates the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes in Phaltan Tahsil from 1991 to 2025. Utilizing remote sensing technology and geographic information systems (GIS), we classify and analyze the spatial dynamics and temporal variations of land use patterns in the region. The research identifies key land cover types, including agricultural, urban, forest, and water bodies, and evaluates how these categories have transformed over the past three decades. The findings indicate significant shifts in land use, predominantly driven by urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructural development. Specifically, agricultural land has increasingly been converted into urban areas, while forest cover has experienced a gradual decline. This analysis employs satellite imagery from multiple time periods, incorporating statistical methods to quantify changes and map existing land cover types. Predictive modeling is also utilized to forecast potential LULC scenarios for the year 2025, emphasizing the implications of current trends on environmental sustainability and resource management. The results underscore the need for strategic planning to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity and local ecosystems. This study contributes to the understanding of land use dynamics in Phaltan Tahsil and serves as a critical resource for policymakers, urban planners, and environmentalists in fostering sustainable development in the region. Our findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and assessment of land cover changes to inform effective land management strategies that balance development with ecological conservation.