GIS-based assessment of thermal dynamics and urban heat Island effects in response to land use changes in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Variations in land use and land cover (LULC) play a crucial role in influencing land surface temperature (LST) dynamics, which in turn shape urban heat island (UHI) effects in growing urban areas. This study investigates the spatiotemporal impact of the urban heat island (UHI) effect on Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India, over 30 years (1993–2023) using GIS and remote sensing techniques. LST data from Landsat-5 and Landsat-8 images were analyzed in conjunction with the Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) to quantify UHI changes with LULC transformations. Results showed a clear upward trend in maximum temperatures, from 19.5 °C in 1993 to 22.9 °C in 2023, with high-LST zones primarily concentrated in built-up areas, expanding from 0.74 km² to 5.94 km². Vegetated regions consistently displayed lower LST values, emphasizing vegetation’s cooling effect. UTFVI analysis revealed worsening ecological conditions, with areas classified as “worst” increasing from 2.98% (4.40 km²) to 9.42% (13.91 km²), highlighting the intensification of UHI effects amid urban growth. The inverse relationship between NDVI and LST underscores the necessity of vegetation retention in urban areas to mitigate UHI effects. These findings suggest the integration of green infrastructure into urban planning to maintain the thermal conditions and ecological health in urban areas. This research gives urban planners and policymakers the tools they need to create climate-responsive strategies, ensuring sustainable development and strengthening the resilience of urban areas in Ziro Valley.