Assessing Urban Expansion and Land Use Transformation in Dehradun Using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

Abstract: Rapid urbanization has emerged as a defining feature of contemporary development, significantly transforming land use and land cover (LULC) patterns, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions. Dehradun, located in the fragile Himalayan foothills, has witnessed accelerated urban growth over the past two decades, raising concerns about environmental sustainability, loss of green cover, and pressure on natural resources. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban expansion and LULC transformation in the Dehradun Planning Area from 2001 to 2026, with a particular focus on understanding the magnitude and direction of recent changes. The study is based on multi-temporal satellite data acquired from Landsat missions (2001, 2010, 2018, and 2026) with 30-meter spatial resolution. Standard geospatial techniques, including image preprocessing, supervised classification using the Maximum Likelihood Algorithm, and post-classification change detection, were employed to map and quantify LULC transitions. Accuracy assessment was conducted using error matrices and Kappa statistics to ensure reliability of the classification results. The findings reveal a significant transformation of the landscape, characterized by rapid expansion of built-up areas and a corresponding decline in agricultural land and vegetation. Between 2018 and 2026, built-up area increased by 17.88%, becoming the dominant land use (53.07%), while cropland and vegetation declined by 14.03% and 7.38%, respectively. Water bodies remained relatively stable, whereas barren and transitional land showed a noticeable increase. These changes indicate an unbalanced and unsustainable pattern of urban growth driven by population pressure and infrastructural development. The study concludes that Dehradun is experiencing a critical phase of urban transition, necessitating urgent interventions in land use planning, conservation of green spaces, and adoption of sustainable urban development strategies to ensure long-term ecological resilience and balanced regional growth.