Spatiotemporal Variation of Vegetation Cover in Mining Areas of YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh using Remote Sensing and GIS

Vinod Kumar Yarlanki, Dept. of Mining Engineering, Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology (A), Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaFollow
Prudhvi Raj Muppala, Dept. of Mining Engineering, Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology (A), Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
Prem Kumar Yasam, Dept. of Mining Engineering, Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology (A), Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
Balaji Gollapudi, Dept. of Mining Engineering, Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology (A), Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
Sumanth Moddu, Dept. of Mining Engineering, Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology (A), Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
Appanna Besta, 2Dept. Of Geography, Sri Venkateswara. University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

Author ORCID Identifier

Vinod Kumar Yarlanki: 0009-0003-4662-2999

Abstract

The spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the mining areas of YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. By focusing on the years 2014, 2018, and 2023, the analysis provides insights into changes observed in water bodies, bare soil, sparse vegetation, moderate vegetation, and dense vegetation. The results reveal dynamic trends in land cover categories, highlighting the environmental impact of mining activities in the region. A significant decline in water bodies is observed, with the area reducing from 3.48 km² in 2014 to 1.91km² in 2023. This decrease raises concerns about the potential degradation of aquatic ecosystems, reflecting the ecological consequences of mining operations. The fluctuating pattern in bare soil areas, increasing from 37.64 km² in 2014 to 40.37 km² in 2018 and subsequently decreasing to 34.65 km² in 2023, indicates the complex nature of land use changes and reclamation efforts in the mining regions. The study highlights a significant decrease in sparse vegetation from 6.88 km² in 2014 to 4.43 km² in 2018, followed by a substantial increase to 13.49 km² in 2023. This suggests the resilience of vegetation in certain areas or potential reforestation initiatives. A consistent decline in moderate vegetation is observed, with the area decreasing from 5.72 km² in 2014 to 4.25 km² in 2023, indicating the lasting impacts of mining on plant health and ecosystem stability. Fluctuations in dense vegetation areas are noted, with a decrease from 2.31 km² in 2014 to 1.72 km² in 2023. This decline may signify habitat disruption and environmental stress resulting from mining operations. The consequences of these spatiotemporal changes in vegetation cover extend beyond the immediate landscape, impacting the ecosystem and environment. The reduction in water bodies and vegetation, coupled with an increase in bare soil, suggests potential biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and altered hydrological patterns. These changes pose significant challenges, affecting local fauna and flora and contributing to broader ecological imbalances. The study emphasizes the importance of employing sustainable mining practices to mitigate these adverse effects, ensuring the long-term environmental health and resilience of the region. Sustainable practices could include measures to protect and restore water bodies, prevent soil erosion, and promote reforestation and habitat conservation. By adopting such practices, the mining industry can help preserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services, and support the overall environmental sustainability of the YSR Kadapa district.

Recommended Citation

Yarlanki, Vinod Kumar; Muppala, Prudhvi Raj; Yasam, Prem Kumar; Gollapudi, Balaji; Moddu, Sumanth; and Besta, Appanna (2025) "Spatiotemporal Variation of Vegetation Cover in Mining Areas of YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh using Remote Sensing and GIS," Journal of Sustainable Mining: Vol. 24 : Iss. 1 , Article 9.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.46873/2300-3960.1442